ryoato

So much potential, still was a good watch

The watch was really fun, waiting for new episodes is exciting and overall the watch was.

The story itself did the best it could with the time constraints. The potential lies with all the constraints that BL’s have in Korea. The time is so little so they did the best they could, same goes for budget etc.

Come into this show not expecting perfection. The chemistry was really well and there was so many elements that would’ve worked so much better in a longer drama. As for the show as a whole it was a emotional watch and was worth it. The fact that it was heartbreaking and pulled emotions from me in a short amount of time is impressive.

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A+ all around drama

I was tentative to watch this drama because I wanted to watch it all at once and binge watch. I also saw everyone raving for this drama and wondered and assumed it was overhyped. GMM is doing something magical, I really thought after the era of Bad Buddy and Not Me that they would faze out and release average things. But My School President is such a good show all the way around.

This drama is high-school oriented and I am not in high school so I wondered if I wouldn't have a place to watch this. It just brings out all the charming parts of having a crush on someone, and it's nostalgic also because of how they portray characters and their crushes. The whole idea of joining a club or going to school to see your crush and just being motivated by them nails the high school experience of falling in love. Of course in real life something this adorable and wholesome is too good to be true, but this drama is just a pure copy of exactly why I watch dramas to begin with.

I'm really impressed with the new actors that are the leads in this show. When I began this show I immediately was sucked right in and believed their roles. Gemini and Fourth have their first leading roles here and do it excellently. Fourth's character walks a tight rope of being annoying because he is so ambitious, but he isn't. Gun has goals and I really like the exploration of his character. Fourth plays his so so so well, he is so cute and not annoying or overbearing at all. Gemini I thought was the straight man in this drama, he plays Tinn and I thought he was one dimensional and the character that stands for values and rules. The end of the first episode really switched that up and he is also just a high school kid with a crush. I am rooting for the pair inside and out of this drama.

My School President I recommend to people that are getting bored with drama's in general. Each episode has a new song and the songs are actually good with good singing to back it up. Fourth has a comforting voice and every song is added to my serotonin playlist. This whole drama gives me serotonin and I am definitely rewatching.

With finishing this up I am not disappointed, the relationship was natural and pure and wholesome. It’s been a whole since I anticipated each week for a new episode for something but felt bittersweet also about it. This show is one of a kind and I don’t know what can top it when it comes to Thai BL

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Someone peaked in high school

This drama wasn’t magical to me at all. At first I was blindly watching but soon I realized all the problems in it, and specifically the problematic things.

It’s so weird that this girl really hated her life so much over some tiny that happened in high school. She hated it so much that she thought her life thereafter was miserable and there were no redeeming qualities compared to getting rejected in high school. Now it was a horrible rejection, but she was 29 and years out of high school.

The romance isn’t good. The lead actor is very pretty, the main girl is ok- but she wasn’t ugly at all so I can’t boy into the rejection at all. The lead actor was a jerk to her in a different timeline, but he is basically a different person in the new one- the guy really likes her for her looks and I found no reason that told me he didn’t other wise. He was weirdly possessive and their whole romance I wasn’t buying, neither was their chemistry. The acting is so stiff, but the dialogue wasn’t helping.

I seriously can’t understand why for 12 years this girl couldn’t get over a high school boy. She fantasizes about getting with a high school boy and I thought that was weird, but after he knew I really had to think- this is predatory at this point. He knows she is an adult but is ok with that? She is living in this timeline as her 29 year old self but just looks like she is in high school.. because she is wearing a uniform.. there is no difference in looks from 29 to high school. Like even if I was stupid and blindly watching- I can’t- the immersion is hopeless with this one.

The whole idea of love is so juvenile. I guess it’s because this is based off a manga… but there are things this drama could’ve done right but didn’t. That main point being the main actress not being ugly, not looking 29 when she should, etc. There is too much filler when this could’ve been straight to the point. The acting pauses for dramatic effect and characters act as if their whole life depend on romance. That is the main character; her personality is she is in love with male lead. I can’t support that with her being 29.. I am at a loss here. I watched just for fun but ended up being irritated.

This girl really wanted to give up her whole modern life so she could date a boy in high school. Everyone peaked so badly here. Male lead is so bland and is just pretty- off the bat she just likes him and we don’t get why? I’m so appalled and offended- this drama is for young kids- wait it isn’t because the main character is straight up grooming the male lead because she is actually 29. I wasted my time. Please don’t waste yours.


If you want a high school romantic comedy watch My School President. If you want a Japanese High School drama watch Keita Hatsukoi. If you want time travel with romance watch Scarlet Heart. If you want a straight Japanese Romance watch an anime because they adapt much better than this did.

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A hot mess

Along with many others I’ve been waiting for this one. I’ll later provide maybe a link to a tiktok I saw of Pavel’s audition, but it got me hooked right away.

This series so far has a lot of eye candy and that’s what I like about it. Pavel has enough charisma to bleed me dry, he is so good looking and honestly I love how he takes this character of a playboy and does it so unapologetically. His chemistry with Pooh is also insane. I can’t quite imagine doing thing alien that with someone with all these cameras, but they make it feel real and intense.

Only one episode is out so that’s pretty much it. I am worried with some splicey editing and am also worried about how other side characters might dilute the main couples storyline. Right now there isn’t too great of a storyline other Babe needing Charlie to enhance his senses.

I What could improve is the structure of the story and developing characters and who they are. You could explain what the omega stuff is if you are going to keep it, and I honestly wish they went the route of playing it off as a ‘jinx’ that Babe has. He is better at racing when he sleeps with someone, and simply has a no kissing rule. They could’ve then explored the relationship further from there. Change what needs to be changed, take out what doesn’t fit for a series, make it better. KinnPorsche did this really well for me and I see that this series could’ve done something like that where they take out the problematic things or the things that you can do without. Again you keep that Babe needs to sleep with someone, just change the reasoning from him being an alpha, and make it a jinx of his, like a superstition.

I feel this BL will be really popular for the storyline and how it’s executing its intense scenes. That will get this the most hype, those scenes impressed me honestly and the jumps that cut in those scenes particularly I think are there for a reason. I think Babe and Charlie don’t get love each-other so their se* isn’t that intense emotionally so you don’t need to see that part? Their relationship runs itself thin pretty quickly. It’s because Charlie has little to no backstory, and I guess his dull personality is due to him being locked up for years? And he’s Babe’s step brother?

The whole idea of selling children is disturbing and could be interesting if I understood in the first place why someone needs a kid with superpowers. I get that it’s cool.. but do they use them for what? For racing to get money? No? I don’t know. I don’t know why racing is even involved. If you think about the plot lines (I can’t find the main plot there are so many things happening) it doesn’t add up. Why does Babe’s adoptive father get involved with racing, it only seems to be for Babe to get him back because he’s a special alpha.. but then he’s not so special because of the plot twists.

There are plot twists after plot twists. I know adaptations can be well done, this story as a whole seems to be forced into one drama that isn’t cohesive. The pieces of the contract relationship to a lover, then an underground selling of children because of powers? Then Babe losing his powers? I think that was when the show fell off for me. They had this moment that fell right on its face for me.

Charlie and Babe are the main relationship of the show, and the side couples I was never interested in unfortunately. The main couple isn’t even one I like together. Visually and chemistry wise they are great, but logically- no. Charlie is a guy that is pretty manipulative and acts and talks like he knows what Babe goes through and he has all the answers, when he really doesn’t. He stole Babe’s powers because Babe was being targeted as someone that could have a child? A child from him is better than his powers I guess? That was out of no where, I thought they wouldn’t lean into this whole alpha omega thing too heavily because they didn’t even explain it to the audience.

Charlie didn’t ask for Babe’s consent to steal his powers. Because the whole time Charlie thought he had no powers… he actually had the power to steal powers .. and I think the way he did that was getting close to Babe? And he wants to protect Babe and therefor took his powers. The thing that gets me is Babe strives off of racing and his attitude is he is the best and doesn’t need powers to race. Yet when they are gone he lets Charlie take his place as a racer???? Charlie has never raced and logically and financially it makes no sense… but I really have to dumb myself down I guess for this.

They could’ve had something cool with the whole racing scene. Shown how famous Babe really is and put him in a setting other than a few here and there. Have people see and react to him and have merchandise or whatever. Instead lots of races happen in the same place and you don’t see anyone watching other than a handful.. so the whole extravagance of Babe being famous is lost. Babe and his trust with Charlie makes me feel bad because Charlie does things without asking and lies, and why does he like Babe so much?

So now I’m lost. Where a lot is happening I am uninterested because there is no heart with the script. There is with the acting and mainly Pavel. Yet the emotional depth doesn’t reach me because I find all of this so hard to believe. There is only so much disbelief I can have in a drama. For this one it had me for a few but now I see it’s really just lazy writing and shock value. It’s too bad because Pavel is so good at acting here and clearly cares for who is portraying. He has me thinking about his character beyond what he says or the script gives. Like why he thinks the way he does or how he must be feeling.
It’s a shame that they couldn’t cut off some corners here and there with the alpha/omega plot they so desperately want to keep.

Watch for visuals and if you like racy scenes here and there. Don’t watch if you want something to make sense or if you want a heavy emotional story. Even if you want shock value, I wouldn’t lower my standards and watch this beyond Pavel. Watch Only Friends for the shock value, watch this and skip is the best way to go.

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you have been warned...

This drama isn’t that special. It’s got an amazing cast, but the story isn’t doing anything new or having anything else to offer for it other than the cast that portrays what is happening. I fear this one is one of those cases of being hyped up for the cast, and it’s not me discrediting them, but all the pieces have to fit together for this to really be that good.. and the ratings on here are waaayy higher than this deserves. It’s a bit maddening, just because of how normal this drama is, and how the good reviews make me wonder what I’m missing?

I can’t find the specialness here? The first episode is really boring, and sets up what we know in the trailer. It’s a drama that doesn’t need nearly this much time to tell a childhood friends to lovers.. unless it adds something else.. but my attention isn’t being grabbed nearly that well to fully want to get myself into this drama.

The supporting casts drags this story through the mud, and it’s frustrating to see. I really don’t like the mother characters hitting their children and for that to be played off as a joke? Just because the FL isn’t engaged anymore or doesn’t have a job.. the mother is horrible to her. I don’t get why people would want to watch something that frustrating. The FL doesn’t stick up for herself and drags the ML into it for some reason.. a lot of little plots here and there don’t make sense. The writing is below average because of this, and it gets quite annoying seeing these seasoned actors say such things.

Like Alchemy of Souls had romantic comedy elements and it was great! So it’s not Jung So-Min, it’s her character and the attitude given to the character. I get development is one thing, and you need to start from somewhere.. but to start her off it’s just written so poorly and wastes its time then. She is someone who can’t explain herself and is a bit annoying because it’s frustrating to have someone sit back and run away. The flashbacks shown are with her and her childhood friend, whose relationship seems so lonely. Like you see them interact as children and with other characters that just aren’t character? the children characters are filler and it makes this drama seem all the more like a set cast and not real people. I get that it’s not real, but it is portraying a story in a realistic setting so come on. Match things up here and there, and maybe that’s too much to ask for the first handful of episodes.. I just have seen dramas have stellar first episodes and instead this is just so boring and cliche.

Female lead comes back after years, meets childhood friend.. it goes from there. Her brother is pretty fun, I always like sibling relationships.. but it’s immature to me seeing how they act with eachother and they are both adults. It just is unfunny.

The ML I can’t say much of his character besides the intro that his mother had for him. It’s honestly so laughable that’s all I got. I doubt this one will get better and people will flood it with good ratings just because it’s pretty? But the cinematography isn’t amazing, and for a romantic comedy it’s just not doing anything new or interesting. I’m really serious with that, this drama is frustrating and I dislike all the characters because of the fact they are caricatures of tropes without being self aware. It is hard to watch but here I am.

To fix this it could have more heart, and not be so blatant with the parts it wants to tug are your heartstrings. Everything here panders to the audience. Like I’m too stupid to sit and think why something is sad or why it’s funny, the effects and music are over the top and the directing is as well. The characters are so unrealistic with their actions, especially with how immature they are as people, with each other.. goodness. Do people act like this? Do people tug at each others hair and tackle eachother? Adults? No… like maybe in a high school drama, but this is about adults? Not that adults can’t have fun but people have consciousness and the general knowledge to not act stupid, have some sense of shame.. stuff like that.

Instead here it is nonsensical, poorly written, over acted, not my cup of tea. I just don’t find this funny, instead I’m frustrated at the idea of how a drama with this premise is being told like this? Is it an unrequited love, childhood friends to lovers.. the direction they took it is comedy and it’s just not funny and instead boring and pandering to be funny. It sets up the relationship too quickly so it drags out because of that. I’d rather have balance here and there, where they pause and reflect seeing eachother again, instead of the out of touch reactions to get a laugh. They are just way too comfortable after not seeing eachother for years..

For a romantic comedy it’s got to have some ‘drama’, fantasy element, something over the top hilarious to make it fun. Here there is nothing that is that funny to me. I’d prefer a story like this told from another perspective where it’s more grounded. The FL sees the reality of a failed marriage and lost job, reconnects with her friends and family realistically without forced conversations and comedy. Extraordinary Attourney Woo would be a better approach, have a slice of life with methodical story beats, the woman comes back and has a process to regain some balance in her life. Coming back to her family for their stability and love she didn’t get from abroad, have it go by each day and separate story and she meets her childhood friend through chance instead of him just being there.. like make the guy swoon worthy. Make the ML a puppy dog that is loyal and believes in her when her ex didn’t. Goodness, I can’t believe this drama but I’ll keep watching!!


Yet unfortunately but not surprisingly the writing gets worse every episode. They have subplots for the sake of filling time, make characters do stupid things.. nothing amounts to anything in this drama. So in the end it gets worse each episode and is just plain dumb! Don’t ask for more reasoning. I spite myself for giving this drama any time of day after the first twenty minutes. LA DOES NOT HAVE SEASONS

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A Complete Knockout

This drama is amazing. I’ve been waiting for it because I really like Park Ji Hoon and was excited to see this project in the works for him. The aura of the premise and the snow overall sold it to me, but with most things I highly anticipate.. they either don’t come out, or they fall flat.

Weak Hero Class One soars beyond my expectations and delivers a gritty, thrilling, and clean drama that is full of everything I love to watch but haven’t seen enough of. It isn’t over saturated in any way, neither on the end of being too dark that it takes itself too seriously, or not taking itself seriously enough.

This drama doesn’t have things it doesn’t need, like unnecessary adding romance, it focuses on its characters and keeps its tone throughout. This drama is binge-able (which I did do) and leaves more to be wanted, but not in a way that it didn’t wrap up what it needed to for the first part.

It’s short with 8 episodes long, but it doesn’t lack budget or care. The script is as clean as the visuals, and the fighting is beyond what I’ve seen in a k-drama for a while. It has a lot of fight scenes that are pretty brutal and not for the feint-hearted, and a lot of them. It’s not redundant or sprinkling in fights; they all serve their purpose

I love Yeon Shi Eun uses his smarts to beat people senseless in unorthodox ways. How he goes over what he’s about do do/doing, with theories and proven facts is engaging. The actors on this drama are all young and they look like high school students.. which is a plus plus. The main cast are amazing in this and very impressive.. especially Park Ji Hoon. He takes his character and brings him to life believably, bringing heartbreaking moments, and pure intimidation with his attitude towards other characters. He’s not out there with his intimidation, he’s just way smarter .. and that’s scary. In a good way. It’s so satisfying to watch his overpower those physically stronger with his knowledge. I like how he orchestrates the fights for himself rather than completely letting others do it for him.

The dynamics between the main three is also very good. I love seeing Choi Hyun Wook play this character of a jock again like in 25-21, but this time it’s still completely different of a character. He’s morally a good guy, and he fights for others but keeps an aloof attitude. The flight choreo for him is insane and engaging the whole time as well as the fun and charismatic lines he delivers. The character of Oh Beom Ho is also very interesting and adds a mellow balance to the main three, his story is also heartbreaking and full of deception.

This drama just falls right in line with my interests in what I like to watch. I love dramas like this to the core. It’s got action and it’s got the grit to back it up. It’s not scared to keep its tone but still has its funny moments. Park Ji Hoon is so impressive with the acting. He portrays the looks of pain and anger so well. It’s all believable and there isn’t a sore spot with any of the cast. Everything checks the right boxes with this one and I can’t wait for part two.

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BounPrem deserved more screen time

Now with the headline that isn’t me saying don’t watch this. In fact I enjoyed myself a lot. This will be short and sweet but I just want to share a few of my thoughts

Firstly I like the development between Win and Team, with each of them have their own background to give them depth. I understand why they fell for eachother but something didn’t add up.. the lust they had for eachother at the beginning that initially brought them together- where did that go? I understand with them becoming a couple things would be more respectful between the two.. but it just seemed a little flat. I wishes things could be more intense leading up to them getting together. They slept together and it could’ve been shown how much they lusted for eachother and their thoughts of regret for crossing that line. They touched it briefly but the screen time to fully flesh that out was lent to other characters we didn’t need. Win and Team could’ve had more moments to show their conflicted feelings wondering whether they really loved eachother and why?

I really liked the development they had and every scene with the both of them was good. Side characters had too much time while the leads stories could’ve been pushed further. So what was there between Win and Team was not bad, I just wished that they could’ve made things more intense. Not in a sexy way all the way.. but emotionally. Like the scenes that were really good like the pool scene was amazing. The budget seemed to be on another level. The raining scene and then the confession were both really good. Boun and Prem have so much chemistry and their acting for those scenes in particular are overshadowed by the other nonsense happening in the show. It’s drastic shifts from them to the B Plots. Boun REALLY did amazing and had a lot of emotion he showed, I wished he had more scenes to show off his acting talents but really he was amazing in the emotional scenes.

The side couples didn’t need to be there other than Manow’s. But hers was given the least? Every other side couple wasn’t in Until We Meet Again so that gave the show plot holes. Like they existed in this story but not the other and I wished the two series were more consistent. Team had a LOT of PTSD and a lot to work with, at the beginning this show was doing really well so I don’t know what really happened. Each episode was fun to watch but they grew less engaging.

So I didn’t hate this show. I really liked it, I’m just at odds with the execution. I wanted this to be really really good with the long wait- but it was just pretty good. You can skip side characters and focus on Win and Team and you’ll have a good watch.

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an intimate gaze

I started watching this drama out of curiosity seeing it was one of the top airing shows in Thailand, I expected to see Love in the Air there but I didn't and thus I began watching a show I had never heard of: 180 Degrees Longitude Passes through this.

This show could end up being a masterpiece. I know that is a lot to say, but from the first episode alone this show is just brimming with potential and that has part to do with the cinematography, the script, the story, and the characters. Let me explain...

Watching at first I had to stop and readjust my settings so that the pixels would be at the smallest they could so I could Geta clearer image, because this show is just so crisp to look at. Each shot in high definition looks amazing, and the cinematography as a whole is nothing short of stunning. The camera work is done in a way that makes it feel so much more intimate as opposed to other Thailand dramas I have seen. I don't know whether to have the be credited to the genre, because but it definitely goes towards the direction. This drama could've been littered with zoom ins for the funny moments, and it could've been more dramatic with a lot of the editing too. Instead it is subtle, the camera pans longer on characters, and the scenery that they are in are displayed a lot better because of it. You are fully immersed in this sort of retreat that the mother and son end up finding themselves at, and it's relaxing and you can't forget that is completely on purpose. The lighting, the sound work, and most importantly the acting is just done perfect here. The approach taken by the director is balancing so well so far. And without even talking about the story this drama is impressive by cinematography and all the behind the scenes work that I constantly think about. How can I not when this drama is so beautiful?

The dialogue between Wang and his mother, Sasiwimol is great. I came into this without reading the synopsis so I questioned their relationship in terms of how close they are. Did the director know that she is acting youthfully in a sense that she could be mistaken as his sister? Yes, and that was addressed without it being blatant. They allowed the characters to have their relationship shown through acting rather than spitting it out for you. I was worried about that with the first few minutes of exposition from Wang, but I understand where that was coming from also. His father died and it is him and his accomplished mother, they have a really close and unique bond. So far Sasi and Wang play off each other well, I believe them as mother and son. I also am anticipating a clash between them because I am pretty sure there will be. I think that way because of what I am going to get into next.

In is Sasi's old friend who helps them out. So going into this without any knowledge of what this show was I really didn't expect In and Wang to look at each other so closely. It is by far the greatest thing to watch between two people. To get a sense of tension and wonder what type it is? God I love it so much. The Untamed does this very very well, these are two completely different dramas but they both have those intimate looks that have the viewer asking themselves .. are they into each other or am I looking into this in the wrong way? In and Wang's case I'm excited because they can explicitly be together with this not being made in Mainland China. So hopefully we will see their relationship get some sort of release, some explanation for the looks... honestly I don't need an explanation, their eyes really do tell.

In and Wang... you have to just watch to understand what I mean. At first I thought that Wang was just sort of arrogant, but he also comes across flirtatiously. I applaud the director and actors so much because I now know 100% that that is done on purpose. Now reading the synopsis I am sure of it, a little sad I spoiled that for myself, but I am still glad. They dynamic is unique also, and in the first episode In explicitly says that they should be sort of Nephew and Uncle, but instead he feels they are nothing like that. At that point they aren't flirting, or are they?

I like how it will be short, for now at least. I don’t see the premises dragging out and predict that it will take place within the time they stay there. I am also predicting a sad ending. Hopefully each episode continues to get better and better as so far they are using the small scale of the drama to their benefits, developing the characters that way.

Moral of the story here is that subtleness with relationships goes a long way. It is so much better than a coincidence or a forced kiss or another side character saying that the two leads would look great together when you know they will end up together. Instead let the viewer see the potential for themselves.

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One of Lee Joon Gi's best

Iljimae could've been standard, it could've followed the same formula, it could've had a cliche outcome with general and easy-to-read characters.. but it didn't.

Starting the show I knew a few things; Lee Joon Gi is the leading man, it's somewhat of a Robin Hood tale, and it has a slow start. I started the show for Lee Joon Ji, expecting to watch in my free time and only to keep full attention whenever he'd be on screen. After about 6 episodes the story really kicked off. The longer you watch this show the more interested you get and the more I realized just how captivated I was by the show in its entirety.


STORY

To summarize the story; it's about Yong/Iljimae (Lee Joon Gi) who's lost his memory as of the beginning of the story, with his father being murdered in front of his eyes he remembers years later just what happened and the promise for revenge he's made. First, he starts the Iljimae ordeal to find his father's sword and get some answers as to why his father was murdered, a few nights into this Iljimae is being recognized as a 'hero' for the donations, kind acts, etc. that he does for the common people. The King/Guards try to catch Iljimae, Iljimae keeps looking through higher ups houses, repeat repeat etc.

The first six or seven episodes go fast, but you have to pay attention to not get confused. I can't say I was too optomstic after watching some vulgar scenes (if you watched you know..). Scenes were funny, childish humor, stuff like that. But that's all surface value. The show really thrives when Yong puts on his Iljimae character, and it's exciting to watch.

The fight scenes were well done. Closer to the end I was left in awe by a few seeing the practical stunts and absense of what would typically happen in this day in age (CGI). The fights are clean and smooth and not afraid to show blood (even if at times it's really fake looking).

ACTING/CHARACTERS

Lee Joon Ji is by far my favorite actor. He is versatile and unafraid to put everything he has into his character. I didn't doubt for one second the validity of the character he portryayed because he did it so well. Lee Joon Ji cried A LOT during this drama, and I also cried a lot considering his skills to provoke emotion. He is talented, so so so good looking, charming, the best.

Yong/Iljimae was the best character. That's a good thing considering he is the title character of the show, but you'd be surprised the number of shows that are out there where you dislike the main character or feel they are lacking. So what does it take for a character to be good? Consistancy is a big one, the character is consistent with their actions, how they feel matches up to what they do.. vice versa. At the beginning I wondered a bit if Yong was just that out there and care free, and he might've been if not for his past. The thing is, the character to his core has always been the same. As a kid he was carefree and loving, and even growing up he was the same. There are drastic differences he has when Yong is Iljimae because he is so driven, his motives match up percectly to what happened and it makes sense. I like how the audience sees Yong's past and makes the connections themselves as to why Yong acts the way he does. At times he gets silent, reflecting on his actions and all the time he's felt he has wasted as he didn't remember the promise for vengance he's made. There are also times where Yong is over the top, putting a facade on to others to distract from his true personality and blend into how he's seemed to all the others before. It's golden, it's delectible, it's my favorite type of character. The character with flaws, an anti-hero, someone good to the core but lacking in a lot of ways and not afraid to push others out of their way to get what they want. A character who knows there motives and doesn't change them for anyone, because he's been wronged so much that it wouldn't make sense.

This drama just makes sense, That's the highest praise I can give it. I hate stories that don't add up or leave me feeling confused/disatisfied. Iljimae doesn't. The romance makes sense, with Yong/Iljimae falling in love with the girl he used to know, compared to the other girl he used to know the one he did choose made sense. He loved Eun Chae because of the moments they shared together, and she saw who he was before his fathers death and still loved him and admired him then. She knew who he was and notices Iljimae's good deeds now. A personal favorite of the two was their kiss scene, it's forever iconic to me and surprised I haven't seen more of it floating around the internet.

As for the other characters. I enjoyed all of them, I really liked Yong's father So Dol. He was honest, looked out for both of his sons even though he knew they weren't his. The whole dynamic with So Dol and any character he interacted with was so good. He's a fun loving guy and brings the best out of people RIP :(

Characters that I felt could've been better were Yong's real mother. She didn't show up too much until the very end so I forgot she was there and a whole thing. I don't even remember if she reconciled with her son.. if they met eachother again? I forgot. Ja Dol/Shi Hoo just needed more screen time. Personally I would've liked to see him shirtless more because the man deserves it. Shi Hoo was a stoic character and had his own motivations. Comparing him to Yong was always fun to do, there were so many instances to compare with him and Yong- it was just so smart and praise worthy to the writers.

DISLIKES/CONCERNS

The sets are outdated, with fake flowers and blood. The costuming isn't bad, but it's not spectacular. Again those first few episodes might leave a bad first impression. But it is worth it, this show is beyond worth it.

LIKES/LOVES/PRAISES

Lee Joon Ji is one of the best. He delievered in every scene, especially when his character was fully powered by revenge and/or the silent Iljimae. The OSTS in this drama are better than a lot of OSTS done today. They add so much to the scene and set the mood to distract from the lackluster sets.

The ending is very open, but I am glad they didn't just kill of Iljimae (and they could've, they proabably should've). I don't really like open endings either, because they leave me wanting more. 20 hours of this show still didn't feel like enough and I didn't want the ending to be rushed, in the end it was a little bit but it's better than being bored. Yong was still Iljimae-ing, and I would've hated to see him stop that.

Needless to say I loved this drama, I really loved it, I love Lee Joon Gi and he is amazing at crying.

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The freedom that comes with loving you

This drama has a very promising start. Initially I thought it was going to be light and fun, a romcom that would be more of a slice of life. I was wrong, and it was a very pleasant surprise .

The first few episodes I’ve seen are gripping and the story is setting itself up nicely to be a revenge story focusing on Dylan Wang’s character. I’m interested in seeing to how he became to head Eunuch and I really like his attitude. He clearly isn’t swayed and intimidated by anyone, even with all the gaslighting within the palace he knows that others all have their weaknesses. He’s a cold man, but he isn’t mean- he’s off putting and scary but I believe he is just heavily misunderstood and a victim of circumstance. If this drama delivers with his backstory he could become an even better character and round himself- he has a lot of room for character development. Lots of potential with both the main characters here.

Bu Yin is also a good character. There isn’t too much I can say with it just being the few episodes I’ve watched. So far she claims herself to be dumb and not anyone to be obsessed over, so I like her self awareness. She really isn’t too stupid- it’s just the nice banter she has with Xiao Duo. She is refreshingly honest with herself and her feelings to Xiao Duo. Their chemistry is able to thrive with the playful nature of her character compared to Xuo Duo. He isn't too stoic, and he softens up but in an adorable and non cliche way.

So far he is pretty much using her for his benefit, as it seems he climbed his way up to his position. Their story should unfold nicely; and hopefully it won’t be filled with tropes. Maybe it will be a hate to love, but Bu Yin is only intimidated by Xiao Duo. I can’t see him hating her as he doesn’t have a need to, he is resourceful and doesn’t waste time.

The complaint I have is that I don’t think Dylan Wang is dubbing over his voice. That’s not his fault thought, I wish he could’ve.

What makes this drama better than others to me is the tone. It is a lot darker as I said before. The first episode shows how gruesome and brutal this show is willing to go. That goes to the world building of the king firing and all his consorts being sent to death with him. Honestly I thought Bu Yin could die, even though I knew she wouldn’t, I almost could see her firing in that situation. It was really keeping me on the edge of my seat. With that being only the first episode I can see a lot of trauma happening later also; and I can see our characters learning from each one. I’m genuinely intrigued by this drama because of the potential it has.

I love the tone of the show, it’s not too dark but it isn’t afraid to be. The humor comes and goes but for the most part this drama is surpassingly funny without that humor overstaying its welcome. It makes you wonder with all the fluffy moments if it will get really intense soon, which is good compared to thinking this drama is too fluffy to go deep into the plot. The sets are beautiful and the lighting is so good. It doesn’t look cheap and I can see this as an actual setting without telling myself it’s a drama. Dylan Wang comes in and is very handsome, but he isn’t just a cold and handsome face here. He is very intimidating and has a lot to work with here and he is giving what the script offers and makes acts so well. The same goes to his costar and the other supporting cast. This show is just well done and hopefully it fastens any loose ends to become truly one of a kind.

Beneath the surface of this drama I find it VERY dark. The transition of the second lead, Fu Wang, threw me off. In a good way. He is given some sort of reverse character ark, to become a twisted and possessive person. I find it to be one of the most interesting parts of this drama. To see this man changed by the position he is in, but it was always him. It just makes sense.

So I love the relationship between the leads. Still it isn't all romantic, it's scary that they pretty much are faced with dying for each other.

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no this drama isn’t good.

I’m going to keep this short because this drama isn’t really worth explaining and explaining. This drama is just bad, the writing is so off and characters say and do things that don’t match up with who they are?

I swear everyone is just a bad person and there is no sympathy. I was interested in the parts with Da Mi, but now I guess she is just dead.. so what am I watching for… the revenge? I don’t get the whole plot with K, who and why does he show up? Why is is the blonde guy now? This drama just had plot twists just to have them and they make no sense. The first few times I was ok with it because it was interesting, but now I get that this drama is not only stupid, like it’s lazy.

To keep me engaged they want me to believe these twists and turns… I had to sit back and just call this drama dumb so I could keep watching. I wanted to have fun watching something so stupid, but at this point I don’t have anyone to root for and I feel a bit insulted being toyed like this. I’m serious when I say this drama isn’t one of those that I’m hating because I’m stupid, I simply hate the drama because it is the stupid thing. There is so much character shifts and doing things just for the sake of drama and I can’t do it anymore. This show isn’t too gritty or out there honestly, it’s just stupid.

Why are they all in it to begin with if it’s just a cover up for Mo Ne’s child? Why would K go that far? Kill someone? They want me to believe all these characters are entangle with eachother but at the base of it it is just for Mo Ne and the child thing? It isn’t that hard to get some truth out but oh a cop is involved so that’s why.. god it’s so dumb. It’s not worth starting even, no. I did it for kicks and giggles, now im dropping to start another drama. This drama was filling the empty space until another dramatic and gritty show came out, so I’m watching Vigilante instead of this hot garbage.

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Nothing weak about this installment

The wait was long... but it was worth it.

Weak Hero Class 1 holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first dramas that I sat down and watched in one sitting, and that means several things, several very good things. Now... I was able to sit down and finish this drama in one sitting as well... so that tells me that this doesn't lack 'in comparison' to the first season.. in fact, it adds upon what was there with a bit of its own style.. and I'll explain.

Finishing a drama in one season means it was either compelling, or it was something I wanted to get over with and never come back to again. For this, it was compelling. The story flowed and connected from each episode to episode. This drama would've done well as a weekly drama, but it also is doing incredibly well with releasing all the episodes at once. The only shame here is that I waited two years to watch the drama in a few hours.

What I am taking from any complaints is that people are saying this is too 'Netflix'. My counter to that is of course it is looking different than the first drama to an extent. This season has bigger fights, and everything is done on a larger scale. The budget is much larger, so the production can make things look more grand. I don't see a problem with this, and don't see any place in this drama that used a budget to cover up anything. It wasn't a stark difference either, the team behind the project is competent.. and are way more than just competent. They understood the story that took place in the first season, and how that effects and compares itself to what is being told here. The budget didn't compromise the script or acting, the script and the acting was on par with the first season if not better.

The characters are mostly brand new, and so is the setting. To an extend things are obviously going to look and feel different than the first. The first season was Yoon Sieun's backstory, and I expected him to be in this season a whole lot less. I was expecting and understand that there are many other characters that need screen time and development. Not a single scene was wasted with the new characters, each scene was effective towards the main narrative.

Yoon Sieun is filled with guilt, and his characterization was consistent with the first season. I'll keep things with the comparisons to the first season at that. As I think, if you find disappointment with the fact the two are different then I'll just say. Of course they are different, Yoon Sieun's whole world is different. You can be upset, feel that sense of dread and loss, it is supposed to feel that way.

Park Jihoon does an amazing job with this project. No one else could fit into this role period. I can't give him enough praise. Jihoon acts with his eyes, and understands his role so well here. With every actor they fit their role, and it leaves the audience engrossed in the performance and reality of the drama. I didn't doubt for a second what I was watching, and was impressed with how well I resonated with each character and their story.

What is done so well to leave this drama feeling full is the details. I could write on and on about each specific one, but will name a few.

The way Sieun walks and breaths when his past is brought up. The sense of dread and anxiety you can see through his eyes and actions, the way he composes himself. All together he is more unhinged with his fighting style, as he has learned to fight to an extent, but is also resourceful and someone that isn't a fighter at all really. He is surviving, and he also has people he wants to protect. He becomes more unhinged the more those he cares about are put at stake or hurt, he is a selfless character. Honestly, he is the best character byfar.... and I'm ok with saying that since he is the main character. With so many main characters it really impressive that with the amount of time given for each one I'm not feeling like I'm missing anything or wanting someone to get less screentime.. I just wish for more..

He is isn't as calculative with his fighting style, and dare I say that is because he really doesn't have any reason to. He fights off instinct. He still observes his surroundings, but he is more 'feral', not giving himself as much time to reason because he can't hesitate when it comes to protecting his friends. His reason held him back to an extent. You didn't see the pause when he was taking down Suho's abusers in the first season at the very end... it is the same here.

Wanting more isn't bad. Sieun is a chronic yearner, so am I. The resolution for him is beautifully displayed, as he is tied down to the boxing ring. It is both symbolic and literal (with his nightmares being consistent and the same). This drama does a lot of showing and not telling, which I love. I have a problem when a drama tells you something.. it makes me feel dumb. Here you really have to watch, and the drama gives the viewer a lot to watch.

The action is eye-catching, the character interactions are interesting, equal parts wholesome, tragic, the whole works. The dynamics between characters its a highlight here. Especially Baku and Baekjin, and the main 'gang' as a whole. Seongje is a wild-card, and I'm impressed with both the character and the actor behind it. I can say that yet again, about everyone.

I won't spoil anyones fun with spoilers. I will keep it at that. This season is incredible, and you are kidding yourself if you don't think so. I don't think it sold itself out to Netflix, it used the platform and the budget to its advantage to tell a complete, and stellar picture. There also will be another season so don't say this is an incomplete story. I will die on a hill here.

The story was told and I will be patient for the next season. I'm not delusional ok.. I'm exceptionally happy with this drama. It was like this season was written for me... I would explain.. but that is more personal than just a drama review. So to sum the review... 10/10. This is vey very good, please give your criticisms to me and I'll acknowledge and challenge them! Thanks!

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And they called it puppy love

This is a highly anticipated drama that I am so satisfied with for once. I know the limitations that come with anticipation, and from the actors and all parties involved. I could either fully love or fully hate, this one I am stepping back and will just say that it’s not living up to expectations because I really didn’t have any.. but it’s actually really good.

for the first time in a while for me I’ve found a romantic comedy with an absurd idea but this time the drama does it right by going full comedy. This drama is truly a comedy and the ideas and scenes all meshing together make it a fun watch, and one where I still care about the characters and their relationships.

The music fits very well with the drama and so far the casting is perfect for me. The female lead has puppy like mannerisms in some scenes that I had to rewatch because she is too cute, Park Gyu-young is another actress I haven’t seen too much of. I hadn’t seen any romantic comedy of hers before but she is so fitting for this role. She has this energetic charm to her and her whole situation of being cursed is fun to see play out, especially how she got into that situation.

Cha Eun Woo is so wholesome and cute and I love him with all my heart. I can see his role developing and I’m looking forward to it. It’s not too much for him and he’s doing what he does, and I think that’s fine and I really enjoy it. He’s got this presence to him that is charming and lead male material, and he fills those shoes pretty well. Lee Hyun-Woo is finally back to a romantic comedy and is just how I remember him, a more matured and cute guy now-

This drama goes all in with its idea and doesn’t take it self too seriously. It balances everything nicely and I’ll add more as the show progresses, so far I’m looking forward to it and am so happy to finally have a good romantic comedy in 2023 that feels like a romantic comedy.

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Unfulfilled Revenge

The first 15 episodes of Eve are really good. The story is engaging and there are a few things that I dislike but overall it’s a good watch.

What I enjoy about Eve is the development of the characters and the constant questioning that the viewer has as to who to like or who to root for. Dramas that keep people guessing and thinking are entertaining, and the drama really succeeds on that end. As for wrapping up the story as a whole the series does, but the revenge and the goal for the characters aren’t fulfilled at all. I am really getting tired of drama endings falling flat- but this one is almost insulting.

Here’s where the spoilers start:

The whole idea of someone so close to happiness and peace but having that taken away isn’t good- I’m talking about the chairmen ultimately dying. That is a lazy way to write a quick ending, and it’s been done so many times before. I’m so disappointed because this drama does many things that others haven’t. It handles Ra Eli’s traumas so well, and Seo Ye Ji does a more than amazing job at portraying it all. I love how unhinged she is and how she wants revenge and will do anything to get it, but is still a good person and doesn’t completely wish those who don’t deserve pain any.

The story between Ra El and the Chairman was beautiful, it was something I didn’t expect to turn out the way it did. I didn’t think that the direction would have them both being in love. But the Chairmen undoubtedly loved her, not by seduction- there are subtle moments that shows he loves her to care for her. It’s the purest love to love someone enough to be able to vulnerable around them. The Chairman had his pain and he recognized Ra El did also, they grew closer through moments of sharing their vulnerabilities. I won’t list all the moments between them that displays this. But their story is done so much better than people are giving it credit for. And I’m really disappointed that the Chairman died, it was horrible honestly. I could go on and on about why I dislike it, but flatly I’ll just say I do. The moments between them aren’t all genuine, but there are a lot that are- they loved eachother and Ra El in the end understood he had no plans when it came to her families death- it was his wife’s side of the family. He isn’t even apart of his own family legitimately even.

What confuses me is why so many people like the lawyer. His character was ruined the moment he told Ra El he had loved her the whole time. So his motivation was because he loved her- and not like a sister. I find it really creepy how he knew her since she was a child and claimed he was living his life to bring her justice because he loved her. It disturbed me because he knew her since she was 14 and that’s when she suffered the injustice. His character is horrible and you don’t know anything about him at all. Unlike the chairman he doesn’t get a motive that has depth- the chairman wanted to be powerful because of the expectations he had. The constant pressure, with it all the more layered by him being illegitimate to the family and being the second child. But the Chairman wasn’t dumb and I loved that about him- the lawyer was dumb. The Lawyer just did every it for Ra El- his whole character revolves around her. Their whole relationship is weird to me. And it’s heartbreaking that the only person Ra El has is him- he is really bland.

It’s funny because I expected the Chairman to be the bland one, but his acting is down superbly and the writing for him is better. He is selfless in the end and isn’t selfish. As for the Lawyer- he is also a major simp- but he is a bad character. He doesn’t have the motive, he doesn’t have anything character traits I can think of really. I could go on and on about this guy also but he agitated me a lot. He’s kind of pathetic, I hated him for saying he was helping her because he loved her- not because of his integrity or own morals- he loved Ra El- since she was a child .. weird

Han So Ra was perfect if the idea was to get me to hate her. The twist around episode 5 when it was revealed she pretty much killed Ra El’s mother was thrilling. It made me instantly hate her and I grew to hate her more. I hate how arrogant she was even though she was losing everything. So for what the drama was trying to do with her worked and I give the actress a lot of credit. Her writing and overall story I’m really bitter about. She should’ve died- not the chairman. The ending really didn’t need Ra El to find herself again.. how many people have to die in her life? She finds someone she cares about outside her family, she undoubtedly loves him after so much time and development. So what is the point of killing him off? For drama? I guess this one is over the top, and I was liking all of the outfits and makeup and grand houses- but the grand ending idea of killing the chairman was dumb. It was so obvious how he could’ve gotten out of trouble because he wasn’t associated with the family in the first place. He was illegitimate and a victim himself- no he wasn’t perfect- he was human and had his flaws also- Ra El got out of many things she did.. don’t know how- but the Chairman’s ending was just insulting. The ending was insulting.

To sum it up this drama is painful. Not the good kind of death like in I’m sorry I love you.. I recommend to people that like a sort of soapy drama. But not for those who want a happy ending.. like for real- this is just cruel. What about their children? The sweetest kid Da Bi loved her dad and for some reason she kept her mom? This is a drama- like a flip of the coin who died and it was the chairman? So so dumb to me. No thank you- but as for what the drama was- it was fun until he drove off a cliff so Ra El would have a more peaceful life.

Not to mention I don’t know what role the company has. What role RA El has, what she does other than going to Buenos Aires. The lawyer didn’t even get her so why even have him bring up he love her. It just made him suck..

Long story short I hate the ending of someone dying when the characters already had been through too much pain.

I already had to accept that she was getting with the Chairman. If not why not just have her go for all the revenge? I can only say so much.. this drama could’ve been better

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Your closest grocery store is run by idols

I picked this up because of the idols in it. I really like EXO, so I am obligated to watch since Xiumin is in it. To me I found this drama a very nice surprise. I put it on for leisure, but had started really watching.

The whole vibe of this drama is one that isn't taking itself too seriously and has a star-studded cast that is doing a fine job so far. The roles they are in are all unique, with each of them being an idol in their disbanded group. The story itself is something you wouldn't get out of an every day situation, but it is made for a k-drama, and I like that. To me, the unrealistic story is good, and they explain pretty quickly why and how they own this mart.

The acting is pretty good, not amazing or anything, but serviceable. It is fun to watch since it is k-pop idols, and since it isn't too serious that makes it all the better. There are some emotional beats that most likely will happen (I won't explain since that could spoil), so there might be a little weak spot. So overall this drama is easy and doesn't feel lengthy because it isn't. The story and scenes flow nicely and it's pretty funny too. The romance if any is something I see happening naturally and is there to develop the characters. The setting is perfect for funny scenarios and I can see myself staying entertained the whole way.

So far so good! I couldn’t finish this simply because it’s nothing I see myself needing to watch. It’s not bad though, it’s just sort of background fluff.

It’s just so average but a little worse? I don’t know.. I watch for the idols but it got lost for me and I don’t see a need to finish. Good while I just had it on in the background

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