Tanky Toon

Story: It's about a boy telling a story about two boys to another boy. In the boy's story, the two boys are best friends. But wouldn't you know it: the boy telling the story is also the best friend of the boy who is listening to this story. What a coincidence! And that the boy telling the story, is planning to do a movie about this story. Or at least, that's what he said he was doing.

Acting: Good enough for two people sitting at a coffee shop.

Music: Barely noticed.

Rewatch Value: Short and adorable enough to repeat.

Overall Impression: What an ingenious concept for a confession. At least Dong Young is self-aware enough not to expect much from his best friend aside from maintaining their friendship. And it's a healthy reaction from Jung Min, accepting his best friends feelings without indulging in it. Nobody died, it's a win for me.

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This drama is about two best friends suddenly being tasked with hosting a podcast about love and sex. Neither are really in a capacity to give professional advice, but they do lend a listening ear. On one hand, Mi Na only dallies with casual hook-ups, and is not looking for anybody for more than a romp in the hay. Meanwhile, Hee Jee is stuck in a boring rut with her longtime boyfriend, who cares more about what’s on screen than carrying an actual conversation with his girlfriend. Though neither of them feels jealous of each other’s situation, sometimes they wish to improve their love and sex lives.

In the eight brief episodes, we see both women grappling with the idea that there is more to life than just having meaningless sex, and comparatively, that they are not obligated to stay with one person just because it is easy and convenient. Change is a thing; yes, it could be scary, but the braver you are to explore what you truly want, the more rewarding your life experience will be.

Both Ahn Hee Yeon and Bae Woo Hee’s portrayal of these women come across as natural. The two male leads are not too shabby as well. I find the drama very refreshing as it tackles mature topics with candidness. I love how both female characters developed as individuals when exploring relationships outside of their comfort zone. The drama fearlessly delves into different perspectives on romance and sexual relationships that may not align with conventional values or beliefs, but are not deemed wrong or right, nonetheless.

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This drama started out slow, but after a few episodes, the story picked up and became more interesting as it went. I like the juxtaposition of characters and I’ve seen both leads in other works and they’ve already proven their acting prowess there, especially when I have viewed four of Zhang Ling He’s works before I watched this one. So I knew what I was expecting. Who surprised me though is Ryan Cheng. I didn’t realize he was also the main in “A Familiar Stranger,” but maybe it’s because his character there wasn’t as flushed out as Gong Shang Jue’s.

The characters in this drama are multi-dimensional, that they are not necessarily “all good” or “all evil.” Despite what has been portrayed, most of them have the freedom of choice, whether to follow along the path that was created for them, or carve out one for themselves. This is why I admire Yun Wei Shan’s character and Yu Shu Xin’s portrayal of a skilled assassin. She cleverly integrated herself into the Gong family and made her own judgment, not solely relying on what had been fed to her, while also following the edicts of her organization.

Gong Zi Yu, for his part, turned from a playboy to a love-struck fool, from a supposedly incompetent “spare” to become the new Sword Wielder. Throughout his journey through the trials, Gong Zi Yu has proven himself to be more than a sitting duck everyone assumes him to be. His ingeniousness, coupled with his compassion for the people, made him a formidable leader.

I find myself second-guessing the true nature of the characters, which is rare for me as I have usually found them predictable in other shows. Even I find the pairing of Gong Zi Shang (Zi Yu’s sister) and Jin Fan (Zi Yu’s guard) hilarious. Perhaps the only person I truly detested here is Shangguan Qian. I really have no tolerance for her type of character, through no fault of the actress.

As for other aspects, the production, cinematography and the costumes were breathtaking. Likewise, the plot here is also intricate and engaging. Everything here in this drama is smoke and mirrors, and it is up to these characters to decipher the truth from all of it.

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Story: A collection of erotic shorts about men fantasizing about other men in uniforms.

Acting: No better than amateur porn stars.

Music: Maybe the sound of beeping horns can even lull you to sleep.

Rewatch Value: Not bored enough to do so again.

Overall Impression: This feature is actually just glorified porn trying to pass as avant-garde film. The stream of consciousness monologuing may impart some life truths that may seem profound, but they are overly gratuitous. I will not totally give this a zero though, but maybe an F for F-fort.

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It started out interesting until it wasn’t. Let’s start with the simple part and discuss the second couple, where Murao persistently followed Tanaka Yoichi despite his rejection, not because she was unattractive, but because she was a teenager. Despite being warned about the consequences of being involved with an adult and a faculty member at her school, she did not seem deterred. I really have no patience for people who are only concerned about their own feelings, despite bringing other people into trouble and not thinking about the consequences of their actions. That being said, I mostly overlooked the parts with those two.

Now on to the leads. The premise of their meet-cute was interesting, seeking refuge in a desolate corner from the rain (of course!) Then their friendship blossomed because of their quirkiness and commonality. And it all changed when Tanaka transferred to another school. Upon his return, Tanaka-now-Mabuchi becomes less carefree, and more aloof, even towards Futaba whom he liked back then.

We later learned that Kou had a hard time dealing with his mother’s passing, hence his dreary and detached attitude, which was perfectly understandable. But that doesn’t mean he can take out all his frustrations and dump them on his friends. I can understand how grief can change people’s personalities, and the first time he abruptly left Futaba without saying a word, was undesirable but reasonable. However, for a guy to keep doing this time and time again to a girl whom he supposedly likes, would not fly with me.

I used to root for Kou and Futaba to be together, but Yoshioka deserves better. Kou keeps ditching her and giving all these excuses, then becomes angry when someone else becomes interested in her. He’s just treating her like a toy, losing interest in playing with her until another child enjoys it. He even admitted to his friend, that even if he likes Futaba, he has no intention of dating her. Then he brushes off the accidental kiss as if it’s no big deal and gets upset when she ignores him as he did to her?????

Towards the end of the first series, I was no longer invested in their story and wished for Futaba to be with Kiuchi instead. At least Kiuchi is consistent, and transparent with his feelings. If Kou cannot prioritize Futaba, then she’s not that important to him. He could have sent a simple text, saying he will be late or that even if he can go to the festival, he needs to be somewhere else later. Anything really to give Futaba at least the time of the day as she had provided him. But no, he ghosts her and is more concerned about his classmate just because they shared the same pain of losing someone close to them.

If Futaba insists to be with Kou, what next? On the day of their wedding, something comes up again that he’s unable to attend? But hey, if that’s the kind of guy she prefers, then she better be prepared for the consequences and don’t come crying. I’m so pissed to even watch the second season. It’s not worth it to keep my blood boiling.

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Story: A boy gets "saved" by a life-guard who mistakenly thought that the swimmer was in dire danger. However, Wu doesn't protest and lets himself be assisted by the lifeguard to shore. Wu fantasizes about this encounter, especially when their bodies were touching. He tries to dispel these carnal thoughts by meditating, but this doesn't seem to work when he finds out that the lifeguard also happens to be a patient at his father's clinic.

Wu incorrectly assumes that the lifeguard's frequent visit is due to mutual attraction, and therefore is present whenever the lifeguard was there. Whereas Wu wasn't motivated before to study acupuncture, with the lifeguard's presence at the clinic, he becomes fascinated with the different types of therapy that his father uses on his patients.

Acting: The actor who plays Wu is expressionless, despite his supposed infatuation with another male. The other actors were even less memorable.

Music: Ho-hum.

Rewatch Value: Once is enough.

Overall Impression: Not abysmal enough to get a 1, but still a snooze-fest. The film was trying to be profound until it got convoluted in its attempt at symbolism.

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Started out as creepy, and ended up as not so creepy, and through no fault of the story really, but I blame the production company on this.

First, why didn’t they cast an appropriately-aged actor to portray ML’s teenage self, when they did so for the FL and 2nd ML? All those screaming “Pedo” would have no grounds to stand on, if this was done, and frankly, not as disturbing to watch a 12 yr old smiling infatuatedly at a 35 yr old at the start of the drama.

Second, why they didn’t dub Yang Mi’s voice so it doesn’t come across as whiny and annoying throughout the show?

Third, why do production companies insist on casting actresses who cannot even clearly pass as a guy unless you are totally daft and oblivious? There are probably more androgynous-looking actors out there that they could have chosen.

I continued watching anyway, as I love a forbidden romance between Master and Disciple, but man, was it ever frustrating! By the nth time Jian Ming pushed Hai Shi away, I was actually rooting for her to end up with someone else and I would have been happy. You would have thought that Jian Ming was a green flag due to all his self-sacrificing intentions, trying to put Hai Shi out of harm’s way, but he is not doing her any favors as she keeps coming back. Why would she be hopelessly clinging onto somebody who doesn’t prioritize your happiness, but would always choose the country over you?

And don’t get me started on the emperor! Tilan clearly has a case of Stockholm syndrome! Actually Di Xu’s bromance with Fang Zhu looks more sus with all those half-naked, pact-making rituals and fussing over their bestie’s pale-looking lips.

The third coupling may seem the least toxic of all the pairings here, even though Zhou Ying was prone to peeping over the courtyard where Zhe Liu was working. Stalking seems to be the least of all evil here, so the show gave it a pass.

The drama also throws in half-baked villains with some half-baked back stories, expecting you the swallow the Kool-aid that they only did what they did. To watch this show to completion, you need to suspend your disbelief, and throw away logic, or better yet, hang on to that remote control. You need that FFWD button.

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This drama is cool without being cliche, as it guides viewers through the sexual development of youth. Despite being naïve about certain things, the characters were willing to learn about the different sexual concepts that aren’t necessarily traditional.

It is refreshing to see how the three friends differ in their outlook on love, lust, and beyond. While some are shy, they still communicate their concerns and thoughts to each other, albeit ironically, in a very public restaurant.

I find this drama highly entertaining and educational without being preachy. It’s certainly hilarious how things kept falling out of Sakura’s bag, and how shocked she is at finding things she deemed “dirty” are actually a normal part of human sexuality. I am stanning also for the ace and bi rep, especially after both Tsumugi’s and Yu’s speech.

Even with only nine brief episodes, this drama thoroughly explores everything related to sex, including, but not limited to pregnancy, birth control, consent, periods, etc. The show thoroughly examines these subjects and handles them honestly, without disguising the truth. It certainly is a progressive approach to education in an Asian country, mostly perpetuated by conservative principles.

And as one teacher suggested, it is important for schools to provide proper sex education so that students can make informed decisions and not make assumptions about sex. Highly recommend this drama as it dispels the misconceptions and myth about sex.

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I thought that with only 14 episodes, I could blow through this without a hitch. But I was wrong. The drama started out strong; I especially loved the flirty friendship between the main couple. Elvis Han has the suave financier down pat, while Elvira Han oozes smarts and sexiness as the hardworking, no-nonsense lawyer. And oh, the sizzling chemistry between Tang Ying and Zi Quan really lit up the screen. But that’s about it.

Because when both are at work, they’re being played by their colleagues, supervisors, and both seem to work on projects that failed (through no fault of their own, but by the machinations or neglect of other people). Setbacks are inevitable, as they are part of life, and it’s how you overcome these obstacles thrown your way that counts. The show imparts more than a few nuggets of wisdom, but by the 10th life lesson, it became too preachy.

The drama also introduces so many random characters, but none of them really fully fleshed out. Most are one-dimensional, like the bratty sister whom I cannot stand, and her cringey boyfriend. She only became interesting towards the end when she ditched her possessive BF and moved in with a younger guy (her landlord). I feel the drama brought in all these randos just to prove a point, like the sugar daddy equates women with useless barns or the socialite who sinks her teeth on Zi Quan once she learns he’s no longer single. The main leads used a lot of these side characters as teachable moments, especially when they aim their gaze at the audience. But mostly, I was so bored to death that I couldn’t fake liking it.

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Picked up this drama because the premise sounded interesting: a virgin meets another virgin and enters a FWB contract. Occasionally adorable, but mostly predictable is that they both caught feelings after having coitus a couple times. Of course, a drama cannot do without a rival love interest or two, who obligatory part ways for the leads to end up together. Despite the sexual tension Takada and Totsuka bring to the screen in the beginning episodes, it did not carry towards the end. Waste of talent, especially Izuka’s. And I certainly didn’t expect the weak-a$$ peck that fell short after the enormous buildup. Watch only if you want to pass the time, but not necessarily.

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I enjoyed this rom-com more than I expected. Perhaps it may be because of its short run typical of Japanese drama that allows all the essence to be compact without being draggy., unlike the long and drawn out fifty-episodic offerings from other countries.

First, it shows the typical Japanese work culture where everyone is worked to the bone and doing overtime is common and even expected. Shikamori Umi is no stranger to this and continues to run around until she reaches a limit.

Second, the drama demonstrates that change is possible when Umi gets recruited as an intern at an agency, where a very different and refreshing work culture has been established.

Suzuki Airi is a natural, transitioning from a bare-faced, exhausted employee to a spritely, newly motivated worker who wants to try her best at everything, even over-extending herself sometimes. But she realizes that just fell back into the habit of over-pleasing others.

Her coworkers, her new boss and especially Kazao, and even Hina manifest ideas that shape Umi’s worldview, in that working hard is commendable, but also is taking time for yourself. The cast was supportive of Umi’s endeavors and she finally learns to be independent.

This drama was delightful and gratifying. Also neat was the trivial fact that three of the male actors in this show were in other BL dramas that I’ve watched. I did not even recognize Izuka Kenta in that whatchamacallit hairstyle.

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This is one of those dramas where I would have been fine without the two leads ending up together. It’s not that I had an issue with watching student-teacher relationships, as I’ve seen tons. But the execution, and the backstory towards the end of when Murai first fell in love with Tanaka wasn’t sitting well with me. I actually would have preferred if Tanaka end up marrying her colleague Yamakado, whom she had more chemistry with.

The romance feels very one-sided, or perhaps this was the show’s intention I don’t know. But I think it was really more of an escapism on Ayano’s part, and only after confronting her own ambiguous feelings for Murai did she break free of her illusion from Hitotose, an online game character who she has been obsessed with, as his eyes reminded her of her friend’s (Really weird if you ask me, if you find out who). I wasn’t also keen on the second couple, where there was lack of development, nor rhyme or reason why Yayo-chan should be with Hirai.

The only saving grace about this drama is that it keeps reminding us that it is wrong to be in a relationship with a minor, from Ayano herself who tells Murai this, to Yamakado reminding Ayano that this is one line people shouldn’t cross, to the ending that thankfully does not show any further skinship between the two.

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This series managed to pack a decent plot in such a short length. I was dubious at first how the face-swapping could be achieved in this scenario, fearing that it would lead to much confusion, but surprisingly it did not. Although I would have liked the reverse happened, with Kay Song portraying Shi Qi and Ke Ying to be Shen Qin, the current casting also worked well in this case. I became more intrigued the more that I watched, especially wanting the ML's to discover the switch. But I was mildly disappointed towards the end when Shi Qi did not get her face back. The plot twist was not nearly as unexpected but it was definitely a good effort.

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This drama starts off with a cliché, over-bearing CEO who is wooden and unemotional, finding how to interact with a quirky, happy-go-lucky child psychologist.

It’s the second time I’ve seen Wei Zhe Ming in this type of role and frankly, there was no difference from his stint as Zhang Si Nian in Perfect and Casual. He has the same robotic expression but fortunately for him (or rather his character), that he’s rich, handsome and powerful and that this can be easily overlooked.

Hu Yi Xuan is not too shabby as Qin Yi Yue, especially in the first half of the drama, where she had more spunk and personality when she goes against Qiao Yan’s dictatorial demands framed as requests. She flies by the seat of her pants when dealing with her personal life and makes decisions based on feelings.

The two are a match made in heaven as they counterbalance each other, but the catalyst between them is certainly the adorable munchkin Xiao Bao who seems to be unanimously voted by the viewers as the star of the show. For his debut drama, Lennon Sun is a natural as he delivers a performance rarely seen in kid actors, especially in those beginning episodes where he had no dialogue to speak of.

The rest of the cast try their best to work with the script as they guide their one-dimensional characters through development. Ruo Wei and Wen Gu act as sounding boards to the lead characters while navigating their own romance. Whereas a contract binds the leads together, a bet stands between the SML and SFL to see who falls for the other first. Another cliché where the strong-willed female manages to tame the spoiled-rich, playboy into submission.

Add in a calculating aunt (in the absence of an evil mother), a self-entitled childhood friend (in place of a clingy ex-girlfriend), or a brooding third male lead bearing unrequited love. Throw in an accident or two, and some tropey plot device like amnesia or disability, then you have your basic ingredients for a C-drama recipe. For added flourish, mix in a glimpse of a tragic past or some form of trauma. Also don’t forget the coincidence of all coincidences.

Surprisingly, I didn’t touch the fast forward button on this one, despite the few times where I almost gave in to that temptation. The first half was certainly stronger than the back half where the resolution seems rushed towards the end. Also, I found quite a few loopholes where the drama introduced some of the character’s backstory without it ever having fully explored or concluded. The show also tried to force a third pairing in the last two episodes where I see no rhyme or reason to do so. Some of the conflicts to me seemed unnecessary and weak.

Despite this lackluster review, “Unforgettable Love” is a decent watch and entertaining if you don’t take its faults too seriously. To its credit, the show also teaches you the importance of found family, as well as gathering the strength to move on from the past and how to live in the present.

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