ryoato

Pretty Flower Cherry Blossom Boys

To my surprise this drama actually is pretty good. I don’t know why I thought it would be bad, but I think I was skeptical of it being a period drama. some period dramas tend to have cheap costumes and extravagant sets that make it looking cheap and uninspired. Fortunately for this drama, it isn’t perfect with the costuming and wigs.. but that isn’t all this drama is relying on to tell its story.

It’s a pretty simple and easy to understand story so far. I am just happy that it isn’t pushing in ways it shouldn’t, like being a romance or being too dramatic, etc. instead this drama isn’t that ambitious so I can’t say it’s magnificent in accomplishing anything that hasn’t been done, but it’s doing something that is rarely done and that’s a feat of itself. I haven’t seen many dramas focusing on relationships between men without it being a romance, just a strong bond that can be implied one way or another. what’s good is that there isn’t any fanservice and this drama is just what it is.

Kentaro Maeda is definitely the driving reason for me watching this. I love to see him in a different role and love his character also. It’s nice to see a rivalry/friendship. I also like the idea of him being flawed and ultimately going against his best friend, and holding himself off from friendships to begin with.

It’s no masterpiece but this drama isn’t bad. The swordsmanship is stunning and imaginative. I love to see the actors themselves know the choreography and pull it off well, so for what this drama is worth it’s a bunch of young men learning to be samurai with the focus being on two of them. Also Kentaro Maeda’s stunning visuals have me agreeing with anything he says.. he’s a heartthrob and also is good at acting so.. what can I say. I’m a simple person and if the drama isn’t outright offensive or trying and failing to do something it’s pretty good!

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Arthur Chen is the only reason I watched this

I know it’s bad to watch It for a reason that I have up there. But holy sh*t, Arthur Chen really has captured my heart. He is a hotty, and I love his aloof acting. His character is amazing and I love his sister and the rival guy that I don’t know the name of. The girl lead is annoying so far because she follows Arthur Chen around for no reason at all. I may come back to this for my man crush.

The music isn’t anything too special, and the production isn’t too special either. The wigs are meh. I applaud the little sister character because she was very young at the time of making this, I think she was 13?

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When the phone rings I’ll answer your call

I have been waiting what seems like ages for this drama. I’m a fan of both leads and know they are great at what they do. What I haven’t seen from the both of them was a genre like this for the pair, so I’m happy to see something sort of new.

Dramas are getting stale for me these days but I always knew I was going to tune into this one. I’ll be honest though, say what I like and what I don’t.

What I’ll say right away is that the first episode hooks you in through the first scene alone. You wonder about the relationship of the leads and how it go to that point. Why is the husband so narcissistic? Why does the wife stay silent? How and why are they together?

It is clear it’s based on a contract, but I hope it goes into each layer and detail as to why. Thriller is a perfect genre for this idea and I know I’ve seen many contract marriage drama before.. but going the thriller route with it is such a smart move from a writing standpoint. Having all these questions hook the viewer, and to add to that you’ve got great visuals and chemistry.

I’ll comment briefly and add each episode though. I’m used to dramas being great the first few episodes and then really showing their true colors of not knowing what they are doing. Dramas greatest weakness are the runtimes being too long or too short these days. Thrillers have an advantage of being a slow burn though, so I am ok with a bit of slow build up as long as there are visual clues and smart dialogue that tie into each mystery.

Cha Soobin took a great role. She is very sincere with her acting and has a charm to her the same as Yoo Yeon Seok does. It’s seems like a pairing made from the heavens to me. What I’m happy to see is tension, the isolation within the relationship. I really wonder if the romance will work out or if it will be entirely a thriller and have one against the other. Soobin as I said is genuinely full of charm, and is quite cute in all her roles. Here although she isn’t as outspoken, she is just as cute. She is styled amazingly and her straight and long hair looks so stunning. She is quiet but has the acting chops to fill up her role with subtle expressions and emotions.

Yoo Yeon Seok is playing a tricky character. I don’t really know what to say of the lead he’s playing for now, I am enjoying that he is a demeaning figure. Obviously he is oppressive, but to play that sort of role and still have likability.. the man is doing it and it’s impressive. Also he of course is styled so well and looks beyond handsome. If only the couple were actually happy and perfect as they look haha

This is the only kdrama I’m watching at the moment but seriously that’s a lot for me. It means it is worth while and worth my time, so I would recommend.

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Bloodcurdling

I have really been looking forward to this one- it has Woo Do Hwan, it has action, and it has boxing. So right away the intrigue for me is off the charts.

With a first episode only being watched there is only so much I can say for now but- wow.

Woo Do Hwan is a stellar actor and this is definitely my favorite work of his I’ve seen. In terms of versatility he gives it all, he’s a badass, he’s a sweet son, he’s a great friend- he really is everything.

I can’t wait to see more from him and his delivery because with only an episode it already is so so good. This drama gives exactly what it should and honestly goes beyond that. It had by heart racing by the last scenes of the first episode.

It’s not boring and easy to understand, the motivations and character contrasts are clear. It’s a clean drama other than all the blood. The story is right knit and no story bears contradict eachother. So for now it’s a 10/10 simply because I’m enjoying it a lot.

The action really is what sells it. Just watch for yourself

I’ll update later when I watch more but I had to rave for now

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A Gamechanger

When I read the book for KinnPorsche I was wondering... will this really be that good? I know the hype behind the show, personally I've been a part of it also, and with all that I knew that the show could just be overhyped and overrated. Hot Take: it is not anywhere near being overrated.

Coming from a country where there are many BL's that means there ultimately is a formula that could be followed and many stereotypes that are sort of a Niche to BL's as a whole. KinnPorsche isn't any of that, it's as the directors described, a story between two people. Regardless of gender the relationships are real, improved in areas to add a sense to further the characters. The characters are more developed, and looking into only the first episode alone I can tell this show will continue on a high point and only keep going up.

The story had so much potential as a book and I am so glad they are taking it seriously. I see so many ways that the topics could've been dealt with, and how the relationships could've been handled as well. KinnPorsche takes a completely new approach and offers something fresh, gritty, and overall a refreshing story as a whole. The production is top noch, and you can tell a lot of work went into this. I know as I've followed the production how much passion and care was put into this series. As a result this series is what it is. A gamechanger to BL's, setting a high bar for mature storylines within the genre of BL. This series shows that a series can be this cinematic and can be taken seriously as a whole. It's without the campiness around LGBTQ topics, it shows people and situations in a way that's respectful.

The acting is at the top, the production, the plot, the pacing, the chemistry. KinnPorsche had the care behind it and ultimately it's a show I highly recommend. KinnPorshe is adult, so I recommend to adults and feel bad for those who live their life not knowing this show exists or not watching it. Watch KinnPorse guys, it's really good

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Girls be Ambitious

The Kdrama gods have been neglecting me when it comes to youth dramas. I am a sucker for them, as I'm also in my youth around the same time the characters go through lives in these dramas I'm just the same. I can relate to them, cheer for them, hate them, compare to them, you name it. What I'm looking for from these is a mix of nostalgia, hope, romance, and harships.

A Hundred Memories is tagged with a lot of genres, so this seems like its a good fit for now. I'm watching a handful of dramas, and I figured why not? If I'm curious-- why not watch? So here I am, and after the premeire I am seeing a lot of things I like. Short story, this drama is at least a high 8 rating. For some, it might not have the 'it' factor, for me- it's does.. let me explain.

I am in love with the setting. The 80s backdrop is already pretty unique, and gives off a warm sense of nostalgia. Underneath that, with it being the good year of 2025-- I am wondering if the setting of this drama reflects a future for these characters that is sad.. happy... the curiostiy I have alone is intrigue.. and that is something you want the viewer to feel to say the least.

I don't know why this drama isn't more 'hyped'. Being hyped is a double edged sword though, as people look for the wrong things and get underwhelmed. I don't really care for hype and take things for what they are. This drama follows Yeong Rye, played by Kim Da Mi. I've seen Da Mi play a lot of snappy characters, and here she proves herself as a versatile actress. Yeong Rye is a humble youth, a rule-follower, and a genuine spirit. Shin Ye Eun plays Seo Jong Hui, someone who is more confident and is new to the job. The both of them are a perfect duo to watch, and I'm rooting for either side. Their personalities balance eachother out, and besides the romance I see this relationship as the focal point of the story.

So the romance.... I am going into this knowing its a love triangle. Hopefully it is more like 25-21, with the female relationship as the center, and the romance a 'love-triangle' but sort of done right if that makes sense. I'm not here for the romance, but I sort of am in a way? Ja Pil is the ML, and I've seen Heo Nam Jun in a handful of dramas. The only complaint I have is that he is supposed to be a senior in highschool, and compared to the visuals of his best friend Cheol, played by Lee Won Jung.. its sort of night and day. One I buy into the highschooler, the other I sincerely do not. He's a good actor, and is handsome and young, just not super youthful. Not a bad thing probably, his character is more mature, and I believe he is a year older than his senior class? That's not a super big deal to me honestly.. I'm just mentioning it. Nam Jun is 32, and Lee Wong Jun is 24, so I'm a little nervous about their chemistry as best friends. For what it's worth it may be more of an 'I look up to you' thing, which is more buyable than a rivalry as friends, fighters, lovers, etc...

With the best friend to the ML in the mix I hope that fixes the love triangle. I see Cheol giving a love interest role that is a sort of 'puppy love' type. I'm excited for that, and I'm excited for the sub plots with the ML. Boxing is always going to reel me in, and the ML is a boxer so what can I say.

There's a lot to like here. I'm wary of the love rivalry, but see the solutions here for this to be a good.. maybe great watch. We might have ourselves a gem here.

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My type of show

I am admitting that yes. I am enjoying this one. I am a fan of this type of humor and content, so in the end I am a simple person.

I'll keep it short. I love what GMM is bringing to the table with this one, especially with the new fresh leads. Initially I looked at the GMM lineup and was oney excited for another FourthGem series.. but damn.. this one is coming in and changing my mind. I wanted a boxing show somewhere in drama land, and I get this.. ontop of that it's a BL- a GOOD BL. Wow, I am here to stay. I will say a lot more when the time comes, but since there is only one episode I am just recommending to as many people as I can through this.

Don't watch if you aren't a fan of se*ual comedy, do watch if you are. Self awareness is all there, budget, acting, visuals, I can't complain yet. So now its a 9/10.

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Life’s Boring.. Not this drama

Finally watched the premiere and am returning to say that it did not disappoint. Cheng Yi comes back in this drama, and is the drama honestly. I’m a fan.. have been.. always will be. That isn’t to say I’m blinded of the faults here, but for what I’m watching now- I recommend.

The costuming of Cheng Yi is gorgeous, and I love how the team gives him outfit changes and not a single one misses. It’s beautiful costuming, hair, makeup, and isn’t overdone or washed out. His natural features shine, where his bangs aren’t too long, and the side profile of his is balanced with the bangs and hair being done so well. What I’m saying is he looks great- the drama looks great, and the performances don’t disappoint either.

Cheng Yi is a master when it comes to this drama, he’s had several other dramas under his belt and this one comes out and his talents are on full display. The story is more light and just a journey to follow, but I see things that anyone can take out and enjoy. It’s impressive and eye catching to watch all the combat; and the choreography is seamless.

The story moves fast: and that’s my only complaint so far. With the talent that comes with this drama I can’t see it derailing too hard but we will wait and see. I reccomend and am more than happy this drama is finally out !

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this drama is my therapy

Story short I like this drama. Is it fun to watch.. I don't know.. but I relate to it.

I see myself in both of the main leads, but not to the point that I end up depressed. I see two individuals trying to live, and I see how other people can either bring you up or tear you down. I am not a therapist, so I will be bad at explaining it, and I can't say much more than that I appreciate what the screenwriter is trying to do.

It's not action or thriller, but my heart is still pounding like it is.

Dong Man is played by Koo Kyo Hwan, and ever since I first watched him in DP, I've understood his charm. I really like the actor, and believe that he is the only guy that can pull off this character. Dong Man is annoying, he talks a lot, but he is an honest person. I can relate to that a lot, the self sabotaging attitude he has. The need to simply say something outloud to validate your existence. I don't want to get too introspective here, I just want to say I appreciate the character. I think people who don't like him just don't understand it. And that is ok.. I just wouldn't point blank say he is a bad person or annoying and horrible. He is a human trying to live, and trying to live doing what he loves to do. To say that he just doesn't want to be anxious, and that he isn't trying to live to please anyone else.. these are lines that resonated with a lot of people.. and I'm glad they are out there so people feel seen through it.

I'll wrap up that though. I also really like the FL and the actress portraying her. I don't feel the need to go into detail about it. There are plenty of other reviews that can do the drama justice in praise of acting and writing. For me, I write this to share my thoughts and to recommend. I would recommend this to people that are deep thinkers, and have people that want all the fun and quick content to stay away. This drama is a psychological, so don't come looking for romance or drama that is off the wall. I don't know how to recommend it really, but I do!

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And the drama of the summer is served?

It's been a bit slow in k-drama land (at least for me) Since a handful: Our Seoul, Tastefully Yours, Etc. I switched over to more lively C-Dramas and haven't found myself wanting to watch any kdramas. Why? The synopsis haven't caught me or seemed interesting enough to put my time in. I watch dramas to relax, and didn't want anything too emotionally deep at the moment, wanted and still am going to watch a Winning Try.. but also am in the mood for something centered on romance.

Bon Appetit, Your Majesty serves directly what I want right now. A romantic-comedy, fresh visuals, and a fun synopsis. A modern girl being put into the Joseon Dyanasy with a twist - she's got to serve up dished for the tyrant king - and THAT is fun to watch.

This drama has a good production behind it, and I really liked how they showed her transition to the Joseon Dynasty. It showed me right away this drama is unafraid of its concept and is ready to dive all into the oddities of a modern-day woman being put into this older-era world. It is bizzare, and Yoona plays it up percectly. She is an all-rounder. She has charm to her, and an abundance of talent that I know this role will serve her well.

Later down the line I see this drama has a lot to work with. The leads Lee Chae-Min and Yoona I was skeptical of the chemistry as Chae-min is sort of a rookie to me, but he takes this role and delivers what he needs to. For a first few episodes, the tyrant king is the tyrant king. He has this look to his eyes that is intense, and his delivery is sharp and demaning even besides his youthful visuals. Together the two look amazing, and you'll get that with two good looking people. They've had scenes where I see sparks already, and am excited to see them fall for eachtother based off the premise and where they both ocme from.

Speaking of which.. I wonder if this will turn melodramatic? Just a thought...

For what we have now. This drama is worth watching weekly, worth watching in general. Almost would say it's a can't miss of the summer. A historical period drama with fun and charm, not too stressful on the politics, and a good entertaining watch with stunning visuals and scores to back it up. The writing is quick-paced, but in a way that it's not just characters talking and talking and talking. Everything says is put towards the story, and to develop characters as fun, menacing, etc. I'm happy with this drama so far and am also so happy that a high-budget drama is actually good if that makes sense? Like it isn't just flashy with the visuals or using its leads to rope in viewers by the neck. If anything watch to learn recipes, there's really something for anyone here.

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