sayratial

Not a bad watch for when you're bored

This was cute and sweet, but the writing wasn’t very strong. It wasn’t boring, but it didn’t really make me feel anything while watching.

The first couple was fine, but I definitely liked the second couple more. I even skipped scenes from the first to get to them, to be honest.

It’s a high school BL, with the cliche tropes. And just like the title, it was about youth. Some teenage boys with hard lives finding love.

There were way too many unnecessary characters. Why introduce them if they’re not important and just disappear? The show really should’ve focused more on the main plot and relationships.

That said, there were some nice caring moments, and the friendship and music/band elements were enjoyable. The OST was good too, though it got a bit overplayed.

Also, Ray was so pretty—like, seriously, what the heck?

All in all, it captured the essence of youth, so while it wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad either.

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A Really Great Watch!

This was such a great watch. The visuals were Gorgeous. The aesthetics on point. It fully gave the “old world” vibe they were clearly going for, and it pulled me in from the very beginning. The supernatural and mystery elements were solid too, kept me guessing all the way to the end.

There were twists everywhere, and the characters? Let's just say, you start off liking the wrong ones and hating the right ones. No one’s exactly likable at first, and that’s what made it fun.

The story follows Li Lan, an ordinary girl suddenly caught between real-life messes and ghost drama. She’s smart and sharp, not some strong female lead cliche, and I actually liked that. She wasn’t fearless, but she was brave. Weak in the way most of us would be, but still standing her ground. That made her strong in a way that felt real.

Then there’s Er Lang, a flirty, chaotic immortal who seems like he’s just here to cause trouble and charm every soul in sight (living or not). He’s a bit unhinged, in the best way. I loved how he went from messing with Li Lan to trying to protect her. Their banter is Gold. That spark of romance in an non-romance story was perfectly placed and it hit.

Tian Bai was your typical first love. Nice, polite, and honestly, I was suspicious of him from the start. Thought he’d be the villain. But no, he was just a little too trusting for someone that clever. Still, I didn’t mind him and Li Lan ending up married--it felt fitting in theory. But we know that that's not all that is needed.

Tian Ching, though... yeah, no. Terrible as a person, worse as a ghost. Not scary, just bitter and petty. But also, He was weirdly fun to watch. Like a villain who throws tantrums instead of fireballs. Still hated him. Still enjoyed his scenes. And loved him! ;)

The support characters deserve love too. I didn't expect to feel bad for Madam Lim or Yan Hong, but the story slowly chipped away at my judgment. Meanwhile, Amah, Mr. Pan, and Old Wang were consistently great. Just warm, solid presences through all the chaos. And i liked the mother-dauther meet again.

Also, I have to mention the comedic timing. It wasn’t trying too hard, which made it actually funny. Just the right amount of humor sprinkled between all the ghostly tension and serious moments.

Overall Taiwanese dramas has a charm to them that pulls you in, and this one was not lacking that.

If you're into supernatural mystery with rich visuals, plot twists, and characters who make you switch sides more than once—this is a ride worth taking. It's not just spooky and dramatic, it's unexpectedly emotional, with a touch of romance and humor that makes it all hit harder.

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When the sea and the sky finally meet!

Adorable, feel-good, cute, fluffy, and comforting are the words I’d use to describe this.

Literally: 💙💠📘🐳🌸🎀💕💓💗🍨🌱🍀🌿!

The story is simple and typical—cliché and probably told before in other fonts and shapes—but I loved it!
This was exactly what I was looking for: a cringy, feel-good watch.

It has its flaws, sure, but it was adorable enough for me to overlook them. I enjoyed it and had fun. I was smiling through the whole show!!

The first couple was just too cute—Teerak, the sweet child-like boy, and Muanfah, a green-flag boyfriend who takes care of him. ADORABLE.

The second couple RealHia were great too—bickering friends to lovers! I loved the energy they gave.

The third couple was just there, but I would've liked to see more of them too.

Teerak’s sister (babe) was so good! I liked her and her boyfriend too; that couple was cute and wholesome, even if no one talks about them (understandable, since they’re the straight couple in a BL).

I liked the whole friend group—they were all fun and supportive.

Punlee was my favorite character. I love him, haha. He was judging everyone with his face only for him to get a boyfriend at the end too.

And we applaud and appreciate a non-cliche ex-girlfriend!

Loved Muanfah’s family, and the sibling dynamics between Babe & Teerak and Muanfah & Punlee.

I would’ve preferred more screen time for the 2nd and 3rd couples rather than the family drama in the later episodes.

And yeah, judge me if you must for liking this—
my mistake for loving sweets that won’t give me diabetes!

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Getting Used To The New Normal

I usually avoid covid dramas as much as I can, but gave this one a go as it was a vampire comedy. I'm glad I did because this was fun, quirky and characters learned a lesson and so did us!

This is set in 2021 after the covid-19 pandemic, where people have to live with a "new normal" and get used to it. In this case vampires are affected too. The blood distribution has stopped and they have to get it from attacking humans.
We have our two baby vampires Sou and Aoi, who have never bite a human before—Will they survive this pandemic?
They run a nighttime coffee shop with some regular costumers. But with new rules, they try working for lunch too.
The two want to try blood right out of a bite and become a 'real vampire', but on this journey they end up helping their 'preys' accidently (or on purpose) instead of drinking blood.

I liked the whole conversations that went on in the coffee shop with the owners and the regulars, it was fun.
I like that we got happy endings for each costumer as well, the movie maker who finally succeeded, the guitarist who became a tutor and our Lesbian girl who turned out to be a vampire hunter!

I loved the friendship between the two baby vampires, they were not similar in a lot of aspects—yet similar in some ways.

I also appreciate that when Mia assumed and asked if the two were boyfriends, Sou didn't overreact nor deny in disgust (what they usually do in other dramas), instead he just said they were friends and not boyfriend. Because it's not wrong and it's okay if someone misunderstood. And the friendship was not dismissed as "just friends" because it's just as important as romantic love (if not more). And yes I'm sensitive about this topic!

I liked the the kind of feminist topics at the end too, with Mia and Ososno questioning why only men are allowed to be vampires and their obsession with "virgin blood". And Mia agreeing to helping Osono on her dream of becoming a vampire. Perhaps a vampire like her would change vampire community for the better!

And Sou and Aoi, finally got the idea that being a baby vampire is not as bad as they thought. They remained the same, but with better ideas, and growth in character.

Overall this was a fun and enjoyable vampire story. I would recommend watching when you've got the time to!

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Somthing Is Not Right!

Spoiler alert: the title was never lying. Not once. Not a single thing was right for 8 episodes and I LOVED it anyway.

The Plot (I Think?):
Ba U doesn’t want to be friends with Ji Hun anymore, because he’s in love with him. But he says none of that.
Ji Hun is confused, clueless, and adorable. He tries to win Ba U back like he lost a sock.

Enter Hamin, who sees this all and goes, “This is great webtoon material.” And you know what? It is.
They all stumble through layers of misunderstanding, emotional repression, and accidental stalking allegations.
The communication is so bad, I started rooting for inanimate objects to pass messages (looking at you, diary).
Eventually Ji Hun kisses Ba U. Ba U says “you pity me.” And I said, “THERAPY. NOW.”
Somehow Hamin becomes the glue of the whole thing, delivering letters like it’s a Jane Austen novel.
Finally: Confession accepted. Boys together. Lesbians bloom. Chaos quiets.

Characters:
Ba U
Emotionally constipated. Terminal case of “I’m not lovable.” Wears his trauma like a cozy hoodie and pushes everyone away for their own good (aka no one’s good). Did he sabotage his own happiness? Yes. Do I want to give him a blanket and therapy? Also yes.

Ji Hun
He means so well. He loves Ba U. He just doesn't know that's what it is for, like, 80% of the show. Most likely to say “I thought we were just really close friends who almost kissed, is that not normal?” Sir, please. Your guitar can’t save you from emotional awareness.

Hamin
Artist. Chaotic. Almost Emotionally fluent while everyone else is just grunting through feelings.
He reads a diary, thinks it’s fiction, finds out it’s real, and STILL decides to help instead of run.
Whether it’s platonic, queerplatonic, or romantic—he was love in action.

Da Eun + Ha Gyeong
2-minute sapphic side couple. Show-stealers.
Their arc was short, sweet, and gave me more serotonin than the entire main plot.

What I Loved:
The mess. This show isn’t neat, and it doesn’t pretend to be.
Hamin being an accidental fairy godmother of their romance.
The writing in Ba U’s diary. I will always like a diary in my drama.
The friend group. Although they share the same braincell.
The side couple.
Hamin. (yeah, lol)

What Drove Me to Yell Into a Pillow:
NO ONE TALKS. EVER. Every problem could be solved with one sentence.
Ba U’s self-worth is so low it made me cry.
They made Hamin fall into the “one-sided love” trope when he deserved to be the peaceful outsider!


Final Thoughts:
This show is like watching two people try to hug with blindfolds on, while a third guy yells instructions from across the street holding a novel he thought was fake.
It’s messy, frustrating, awkward—and weirdly beautiful.
It’s not perfect, but it hit something in me. That soft ache of being young and scared to speak.
And sometimes? That’s enough.
The cinematography and acting was great though!

Would I recommend it?
Yes, if you're okay yelling "JUST TALK!" every five minutes.

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Boys Be Brave! And Adorable All The Time!

Okay, this might seem like a simple story on the surface, but don’t let that fool you—this show had me giggling, squealing, and melting from start to finish. It’s the kind of rom-com that just wraps you up in a warm hug of chaotic charm and slow-burn sweetness. What made it so special? The characters. Oh my gosh, the characters.

First up, we have Jin Woo—a confident, no-nonsense nerd who’s not afraid to stand his ground. He knows what he wants, and even more impressively, he knows what he doesn’t want. (Or at leat that's what he thinks.) Watching a character so in control of his boundaries was honestly refreshing, but also hilarious when life (and Ki Sub) keeps testing those limits.

Then there’s the lovable disaster that is Ki Sub. Socially awkward “playboy” , and the literal definition of a golden retriever—he says yes to everything and everyone. At first, I was just amused by how clueless and naïve he was, but the more I got to know him, the more adorable he became. His efforts to change and mold himself to fit Jin Woo’s “ideal type list” (yes, he really moves in with him—chaos ensues) had me rolling, but also rooting for him so hard.

Their dynamic? Absolute gold. From Jin Woo trying to kick Ki Sub out, to the slow realization of their feelings, to the soft, clumsy confessions, to the actual dating era—it was everything. I loved watching Ki Sub, who once believed he couldn't love, learn to understand his feelings, speak up for himself, and start saying no to the things he didn’t want. His growth felt so real and earned.

And can we talk about Balg Eum? My hard-working little part-time worker! He’s zooming around delivering everyone’s mail and emotional support. I loved his bond with Ki Sub—it was such a wholesome friendship, full of teasing and loyalty.

Now, the second couple—Balg Eum and Ji In Ho—brought in the angst to balance all the fluff. Their relationship was more quiet and emotional, with those heartbreaking moments where Balg Eum opened up about his insecurities and why he had to step away. That scene where he asks Ji In Ho to wait for him until he becomes a better person? Yeah, I cried. A little.

And shoutout to Hye Jin! She’s Jin Woo’s ideal type, and he’s hers — but instead of romance, they build this amazing friendship. They’re basically the male and female versions of each other, and their mutual comfort and honesty made me love their platonic bond even more. They’re totally meant to be besties.

Also the OST tracks were great, would listen to them again!

Overall, Boys Be Brave! is a heart-fluttering, laugh-out-loud, healing ride. It’s cute, it’s chaotic, it’s full of silly moments and real emotions, and it honestly deserves all the rewatch love. If you’re looking for a show that feels like a cozy hug with a side of butterflies, this one’s for you.

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A short and sweet BL anthology

Close to You – a short and sweet BL anthology that's all soft winter vibes, warm cups of tea, and just enough feels to linger. No drama, no toxicity (well… mostly), just eight men across four bite-sized stories that all hit differently but flow together like a cozy snowfall.

1st story – The Bicycle Ride
Two just-out-of-high-school boys, a sleepover, and a peaceful morning bike ride. That’s it. That’s the magic. This one feels like a slice of life captured in soft light, no big declarations, just two adorable friends slowly leaning into something more. I loved all of the caring and sweet moments. The open ending left me smiling and kind of wanting to go bike riding myself.

2nd story – The Time Loop & the Bracelet
This was fun! Starts with a drunken on the phone confession (classic), and the next day, the regret hits hard. Cue: magical friendship bracelet and a wild loop of “what if I answer differently?” Seven tries later, honesty wins… but wait! Turns out both of them had been looping — the friend tried six times too?! That twist gave me chills in the best way. And the random laptop guy in the background, mirroring their convos like some chaos spirit? Gold. Quirky, funny, heartfelt — loved it.

3rd story – The Diary
This one hit me right in the gut. Starts like a chill forced cohabitation trope — his mom’s friend’s son is staying over — but then they bond, feelings quietly blossom… and then he’s gone. The twist? He was sick, and now he’s passed. And he gets to know it a year later.The diary entry that says he’ll come see him again? I was not okay. Beautiful, tragic, soft. I adored their dynamic. Possibly the strongest emotional pull of the four.

4th story – The Office Romance
Okay, this one was kind of messy. A senior and junior with a shared past, including a not-okay kiss that didn’t sit right with me. It leans more into tropey tension and miscommunication. That said, it was still fun in a quick-watch kind of way. Not something I’d want as a full series like the others, but the last scene — the kiss timed perfectly with the coworker walking out — was a mood.

Overall:
Short, satisfying, with one emotional punch and three shades of sweet and strange. It’s rare to find an anthology this balanced in tone, with each story holding its own voice and a wintry warmth that ties them together. Would recommend.

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A Cozy, Thoughtful Watch

Leap Day is actually my first Hong Kong drama, and I ended up really enjoying it. It had this calm, mellow vibe that I wasn’t expecting but totally loved. The snowy setting gave the whole show a unique and almost dreamy atmosphere, and the cinematography was really pretty—simple, but effective in setting the tone.

One thing I liked a lot was how the time travel wasn’t just random or "just because." It actually made sense and was tied to the female lead’s birthday on February 29, which was a cool touch. It felt like there was a reason for everything that happened.

What stood out most to me was how the story focused on the main character’s personal growth. The romance and love triangle were there (and yes, I liked the second male lead more too), but it didn’t take over the whole plot. I appreciated that it was more about her figuring out her life and learning to take control, especially since she started off feeling a bit lost and unsure of herself.

The friendship between the three girls was also super wholesome and one of my favorite parts. It felt real and supportive, and added a lot of warmth to the story.

I like the simple yet pretty poster picture, It rightfully gives what you have to expect from the drama.

Overall, Leap Day felt like a quiet, emotional journey with just the right touch of magic. If you like slice-of-life stories with a bit of fantasy and a focus on character development, it’s definitely worth a watch!

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I Don't Like Second Chance Romance—But This One Was So Good!

So I ended up enjoying this way more than I expected.

It’s about Gu Sheng Sheng and Pei Che, who get into this whole arranged/forced marriage situation. Sheng Sheng gives birth to twins, but gets lied to—told that her older twin died. Scared that Pei Che will take her only remaining son, she runs off abroad. Meanwhile, plot twist: the twin who was “dead” is actually stolen by Gu Qian and dumped on Pei Che, who thinks Sheng Sheng just peaced out and abandoned her kid. Years later, she comes back undercover as Ivvan, a super famous doctor. Yeah. It’s giving drama and I was here for it.

Now listen, I consider myself a hater of second chance romances and I’m usually not into the whole “separated at birth” trope—but somehow? It worked here and I was obsessed.

Gu Sheng Sheng easily secured a spot in my top FLs. She’s strong, a little cunning, won’t let anyone mess with her or her kid, and she’s killing it in her career too. Iconic behavior.

And the twins? Loved them.
An An is a literal 9-year-old genius, casually hacking systems and outsmarting adults. That scene where he accidentally sells his dad to a rich woman thinking he’s a child trafficker? Comedy gold.
Ali, the other twin, is sick and non-verbal for his age—Pei Che needs Ivvan to treat him, not knowing she’s actually his wife. The layers!

Also loved Sheng Sheng’s bestie. Total girlboss energy, great fashion, loyal to the bone, and always ready to throw down for her friend. We love a ride-or-die.

The constant bickering and misunderstandings between the leads? So well done. Both thinking the other moved on and had a kid with someone else? Peak chaotic married couple energy.

The villains were dramatic and evil to the max, but honestly, they had nothing on our girlie. She handled them like a pro.

I really liked how Pei Che tried to win her back too. The reveal scene was chef’s kiss—especially when she hit him with that “Who would you save if they were drowning, An An or Ali?” Oof. That hit.

And the proposal scene? Adorable. Them covering their sons eyes as they kissed? Yeah, my heart melted a little.

Also, for a vertical drama, the color palette was actually decent.

Overall: such a fun ride. Drama, romance, chaos, smart kids, boss women—it delivered on all fronts.

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A Comedy That Is Gold!

So, Gokusen turned out to be a surprisingly fun experience! As someone who usually sticks to newer dramas, I didn’t expect an older one like this to hook me so much, but it definitely did. It’s about a yakuza heiress who dreams of becoming a teacher. She ends up teaching a class of rebellious students, and what follows is her giving them life lessons while they all try to figure out their place in the world.

There are a lot of dramas with a similar premise, but what sets Gokusen apart is how it balances humor with heartfelt moments. Each episode is kind of its own mini story, which makes it easy to jump into any episode without feeling lost. That said, they all tie together well enough that you feel the growth and connections among the characters.

The comedy in this show is pure gold! I couldn’t stop laughing in some moments, and there were a few times where I genuinely got emotional, too. The characters are what really make the show shine, and the students’ development is so satisfying to watch.

I also really appreciated the camera work. It wasn’t anything too fancy, but there were some cool angles and shots that made it more visually engaging than I expected.

There’s no romance plotline, which I was super happy about (thank you, Gokusen!). It’s clear that Shin is the "love interest," but the focus stays mostly on the students and their growth, which is refreshing.

Overall, I had a great time watching all 12 episodes. It's one of those shows that hits all the right notes of comedy, drama, and a bit of emotional depth. Totally worth the watch if you’re into stories about personal growth and unlikely friendships.

Rating: 8/10

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Hilarious Watch!

I really liked this one! So many hilarious moments. It’s got the classic cold CEO and contract wife setup, but the CEO is not that cold at all—just a simple “I will protect you” and he’s completely whipped! He was so bad for the FL, but honestly, who could blame him? She’s stunning! Plus, his little ILE (Inner Little Emperor) was just adorable.

Then there’s the evil stepmom, who’s the cause of all the ML’s trauma, and a totally clueless dad. There’s also the stepbrother, who isn’t bad but still, well... is the son of the stepmom. He’s trying to win over his brother but draws the line at breaking the law or doing crime, unlike his mom!

Most of the scenes were hilarious—this was a rom-com all the way. The chemistry between the leads was great, and honestly, as someone in the drama said, they suit each other because they’re both crazy, haha. The ML’s assistant was a diva, and it was just so fun to watch!

Overall, really fun! Oh, and I recognized the leads from another drama where they played mom and son—so fun seeing them together in this one too!

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Not bad but not good either

This drama was a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. With only three 10-minute episodes, it felt rushed, and the romance, in particular, was definitely on fast forward. But somehow, I kind of loved it. The moment when the female lead asks, “Do you like me?” and he responds with, “Isn’t it too late to realize?”—it was so cheesy, but I couldn’t help grinning. The rushed pace worked for some moments, like this one, where the drama leaned into the playful absurdity of it all.

The story touches on some heavier themes, with three versions of Suwon: the famous actor, who gets exposed as a bully; the lesser-known actor, who recognizes his mistake as a bystander and apologizes; and of course, Shin Kyu Hyun’s character, who I honestly adored. His sincerity was a breath of fresh air, and his role gave the show some real heart, despite the flaws in pacing and character development.

While the drama’s budget and length didn’t give it much room to breathe, it still managed to deliver a meaningful message. It might not reach the right audience, but it’s still a fun watch for anyone who likes a bit of rushed romance, personal growth, and an adorable lead like Shin Kyu Hyun.

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An Adorable, Fluffy Romance That Melts Your Heart!

This drama was pure cuteness from start to finish! It had everything—misunderstandings, slow-burn romance, adorable characters, and of course, a touch of fate (shoutout to Tori, the best matchmaker cat ever!).

It all starts with Umi stepping in for his twin, Riku, to break up with Chiaki. But instead of ending things, Umi finds himself falling for Chiaki’s sweet and charming self! Just when Umi realizes his feelings, Chiaki asks for a breakup—ouch! But then the POV shift happens, and , what a twist! Chiaki knew all along! He had been searching for his "Cat Prince," and he thought Riku was him—until he wasn’t. The moment he finds out about Umi's real identity? Game on! Instead of letting go, he makes it his mission to make Umi fall for him. And ? Mission successful!

The two of them were just so adorable together. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their relationship developed so naturally that it felt like they were meant to be from the start. The cinematography matched the vibe perfectly—bright colors, cozy settings, and outfits that were just as charming as the story itself! And the sibling dynamic? Loved it! Umi and Riku admitting they envied each other while still keeping that playful twin energy was such a great touch.

And can we just talk about how pretty both Umi and Chiaki were? Seriously, every scene felt like a visual treat!

Overall, this was such an easy and heartwarming watch. It was short, sweet, and packed with all the fluffy goodness you could ask for. Definitely a drama to watch when you need something light and full of love!

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Simple Yet Super Enjoyable

This was such a simple yet super enjoyable story! The premise is fun—Jaehyun always finds himself liking the same girls who, unfortunately for him, all seem to like Sunwoo instead. The twist? Sunwoo decides to give Jaehyun a "taste" of why everyone likes him, leading to a bet where the first one to confess has to grant the other's wish. Predictable? Maybe. But that’s exactly what makes it so fun!

The dynamic between Jaehyun and Sunwoo is great—their back-and-forth interactions are entertaining, and their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and satisfying. The trio's friendship adds another layer of warmth, with Jaehyun’s friends being genuinely supportive, which is always a nice touch.

Also, a huge plus for openly using the terms bisexual and gay! Representation like this, especially when it's just casually included in the story, always makes things better.

The ending wraps everything up in a simple yet perfect way, leaving you with a smile. Overall, a lighthearted, fun, and easy read that delivers exactly what it promises!

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The Heartbreakening Beauty

This 12-minute short film takes us on an intimate and heartbreaking journey through the life of a transgender individual, exploring the intense struggles that often accompany self-acceptance. The film's main character, a young woman who has yet to fully embrace her identity, experiences bullying in a way that many can relate to, especially when the smallest actions, such as dropping a lipstick, can trigger a painful wave of rejection. The film beautifully captures the weight of these moments, where something as simple as a misplaced item becomes a symbol of deeper societal judgment.

The lead character’s internal conflict is depicted through a tender relationship with an enigmatic figure, a girl who may represent her true self, an imaginary friend, or perhaps both—a subtle commentary on how complex and fluid gender identity can feel for many. As the film progresses, the lead’s mental health deteriorates, giving a raw glimpse into the despair and confusion that can arise when one is disconnected from their authentic self. The narrative touches deeply on depression, isolation, and the crippling fear of rejection, but also on the importance of seeking help.

The final tribute to Yook Woo Dang (1984–2003) adds another layer of poignancy. By dedicating the film to him, the filmmakers not only honor his memory but also shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental illness, depression, and LGBTQ+ struggles.

About Yook Woo Dang:
Yook Woo Dang was a South Korean man whose life was tragically cut short in 2003. Known for his activism in both LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness, his passing resonated deeply within his community. Yook’s struggles with mental health were compounded by societal pressure, and his life story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of visibility and support for marginalized individuals. He had been vocal about the struggles of growing up with a gender identity that was misunderstood and how these challenges were exacerbated by mental illness.
His tragic death sparked conversations around the need for more compassion, understanding, and accessibility for individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly in the context of gender identity. This film’s dedication to Yook Woo Dang is a touching tribute to his life, one that highlights the impact of both societal expectations and the personal demons that can affect one's sense of self.
I hope this review captures the essence of the film and honors the memory of Yook Woo Dang appropriately. If you'd like to talk more about the film or your feelings after watching it, feel free to share.

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