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  • Location: 독일 ~ Where the waves gush against your windows
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xXabsintheXx

독일 ~ Where the waves gush against your windows
Completed
Ashes of Love
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 14, 2022
63 of 63 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
My rating is probably totally biased. This was my very first Xianxia, I didn't know what to expect. There were no major flaws, so I didn't look for any either. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be those plastic flowers. I'd rather take bad CGI instead of plastic... But it's a ver y minor complaint, so it's neglectable (and it's probably a thing in C-dramas, so I can't avoid them in other ones anyways).

The story was well woven and well told. It was capable of chaining me to my seat and making me binge this in no time. There were minor and major key scenes all the time, that kept me guessing what could happen next and made me unable to stop. They also built up a captivating amount of tension before every event. To say that certain things were predictable might be right. But it's not meant to sound negatively. It's more like you fear what would happen and wait in anxiety.

The acting of almost everyone was soooo good, I enjoyed it alot (except for SML's mother... that was really bad). What I appreciate the most is that the leads never led me down. Not even once. Maybe they didn't always do things to my liking, but it was always reasonable and just the effect of past events. They stayed true to themselves (as far as that was possible considering the Yun Elixir). They touched me with their love, passion and made me feel their pain and suffering, as well.

The side cast did their job well in supporting the leads and the story. Especially the snake, the fox and the phoenix's guard were my favorites. And what I liked about the ending was that every character, good or bad, got one that fit in regard to past happenings. There's no mysterious incomprehensible happy ending for everyone.

What a ride... I'll definitely re-watch this some day!

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Completed
Bitter Blood
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 7, 2021
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
That was pure enjoyment ♥~

Sometimes, esp. in the beginning I contemplated about the rating while I watched this show, because I kept remembering all the things that annoy me in crime k-dramas. But the more I watched the more I forgot about those, and therefore enjoyed this a lot more. There's just no way you can compare this one to a k-drama.

The story is perfectly mixing comedy, crime, mystery, friendship and a bit of romance as well (without focusing on it too much). And I even got all my favorite tropes~.

I usually tend to roll my eyes on dramas that try too hard to be serious and cut to the next comedy scene without a warning. Bitter Blood though managed to smoothly walk that bridge without looking too idiotic. Of course, the cases are somewhat exaggerated and nonsensical, even more so the way the team is handling them. But that's not because of the situations itself - those were actually quite interesting - but more because of the characters. They are however the reason why it makes the whole thing great again.

With their unwavering friendship and unusual teamwork they achieved the most important thing in a drama: Getting the viewer attached. Every single member of the squad team felt unique and showed enough substance to make me care for them.

Most of all Sahara Natsuki and Shimao Akimura. Natsuki with his somewhat clumsy, yet determined way was the perfect fit for the eccentric and fashionable Akimura, and together they formed a great team that supported each other. They were completely different in manners and yet totally alike. No surprise at all since they are connected through a bitter past and share the same blood. I loved their interactions. It showed affection and respect for each other whether they admitted to it or not. Their constant bickering just made it clearer every time.

The finale was something I haven't seen for a long time. There are some basic things you can probably vaguely guess but the actual event(s) totally surprised me, some of it because of little details I didn't see coming, other things because of how they proceed towards a certain... moment where all the threads come together.

The main villain was nuts, insane as you would expect. A stereotypical psycho. I found it funny that they used the opera "Erlkönig" as his distinguishing feature. But if you know what it's about, it actually fits his objective which he was so ambitiously working towards. If I had to complain about one thing it would be the his back story. You get some hints but you never get the actual story.

I might have started this because of Sato Takeru but I stayed because of so many more reasons - most of all because I could loosen up and wholeheartedly enjoy this little gem.

So whether you're already into J-dramas or not. This is a definite recommendation to all of you ;)

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Completed
Hot Stove League
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 29, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

What a ride

Rating this gave me a hard time. That's probably because I didn't see as many baseball scenes in this drama as I'd wished for. I do get that it's more about the people's growth and how things might work in that industry. But seeing some more games to let me root for the players I've grown to like so much would have been nice.

Nonetheless, it was still a great drama with an awesome cast and plot. You can somewhat guess, where the story is going after watching the first episodes. A sports team, that loses all the time. Of course there must be some heavy problems, right? Baek Seung Soo (NGM) starts to root out the foul branches one by one. He persuades you that it can really work and you start to cheer for the team to get up again. But well, it's a drama afterall, so don't fool yourself. There are the higher ups who don't want him to succeed, no matter what. And so additional obstacles are spread just when you think everything runs fine.

Nam Goong Min is without doubt a terrifying actor. I always prefer the silent roles because they show the actors' real capability. Baek Seung Soo (NGM) was one kind of a silent character. He seems apathetic, not caring much but still determined to achieve his goal. By no means is he cold though. He has that little brother he's living with who is tied to a wheelchair, and you can see that Baek Seung Soo does care for his family. He's also smart, perceptive and cunning. I've only seen a few other characters who were as calculative as him and I'm happy that the writing and NGM's acting convinced me of these traits through and through. For example, whenever his character came up with his next move, he was of course faced with anger and a strong headwind. But he fought his battles with calmness and evidence based reasoning.

He takes most blows without complaint, instead he works on other ways to still get the results he needs. But when he's really, really pissed (or cornered or just overwhelmed), his nonchalant demeanor breaks for like two seconds and you discover his well hidden emotions. It might be glimpses, but NGM gives them a deep impact. It almost scares you how much he can bottle up and then release.

In the early episodes it seems as if he's just doing a job. Well, that might be true. But as time goes by, he realizes that there are other people, who are as determined as he is, and in a subtle way, he unintentionally creates bonds without knowing it. I kinda suspected from the beginning how his character would be wrapped up work-wise. Even though I might not have suspected anything at all about his growth as a person, something was expected nevertheless. Otherwise the drama would have failed its purpose.

The rest of the cast did good jobs themselves, they supported the leads very well. There was always enough back story to make their characters three-dimensional without giving too much side info. It was enough to either reassure you, so you can name your league of good people, or deceive you, to make surprising twists possible.

The alleged villain... Oh, well. You start from liking him to disliking to hating to... Let's say he's a difficult one. Of course, it gets explained why he's doing what he's doing. You just wish for him to break that damn cage, he's gotten himself into. He definitely grew as a person ultimately, but he still has a long road ahead.

What I found hard at times was to follow the technical jargon. I like baseball but I'm not an expert. While it makes sense for them to talk like that when they are surrounded by their people, it would have been nice if they had somehow made their evaluations more comprehensible. I want to cheer them on so badly, but how can I do that, when I only understand half of it.

The few baseball scenes were like honey. Even though there weren't that many, they did those really well and managed to show off a bit. I enjoyed them so much because they were a nice change of scenery (and I'm always in for a nice game).

Conclusion:
An overall powerful drama about a lone 'ranger', who stands tall, no matter what, who meets a defective baseball team that's in a real mess but opposes the unusual methods of their new general manager. Both sides surprise you in unexpected ways and will sweep you away with a new found team spirit.

So, don't miss out on this one ;)

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Completed
Kleun Cheewit
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 13, 2021
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

I can't believe it's over. I want to watch mooore...

I actually wanted to write a review about Leh Nangfah some days ago. But then I started this drama and got so absorbed into the story that it pushed my feelings for the bird's story aside. And now I'm so obsessed with Kleun Cheewit that I would almost rewatch it right away.

Of course I liked the story, otherwise I wouldn't have started it at all. Even though it's filled with clichés and over the top situations, nonsensical jealousy, tight-lipped yet provoking characters and unfounded assumptions.

But still. The time it took to tell the story and the path it went, plus the outstanding acting of the cast made this an extraordinary drama that knows how to convince. If I had to choose between the Korean "Secret" which follows a quite similar plot, and Kleun Cheewit, I'd choose the Thai one ten times over, even though I liked "Secret" alot as well.

The main leads were the driving force. There was harmony and balance, not one edgy moment. The back and forth, the unwanted situations they were put into, and the slow progress of their relationship with all the hardships that came along, was what glued me to the screen. Nothing felt forced by the writing, it always made sense within the borders of a lakorn.

Yaya's (Jee) crying skills were so authentic, it flooded my own emotions and made me cry along every single time! And it was not only her crying but the emotions she carried with it. I always knew whether she was angry or sad or happy. Mark (Thit) on the other hand had a very subtle way of showing the feelings of his character. He didn't cry as much and especially in the beginning till the middle the anger and hate ruled over Thit's actions. I also wasn't convinced of Mark right away, it only started later on. But I also felt that he grew with his character and got alot better with each episode, which is why I am quite happy with him as the male lead in the end. Yaya and Mark built two really strong characters who are filled with flaws but help each other heal.

The second leads were enjoyable as well. For real. Usually I get bored after some time with them, because their story doesn't capture my attention anymore. But these two, Chaiyan and Piak were an equally interesting couple, even though they brought along alot of drama for Jee, too. But I liked the friendship between Jee and Chaiyan and that they didn't waver because of Piak's jealousy. Of course, Piak was understandable, but at some point it reached a level that questioned the love they actually had for each other and turned it into a tightrope act. They could have saved alot of trouble and tears, if they had just TALKED to each other reasonably.

And that was an actually problem of the drama. Either people assumed things because of certain situations they "saw" and thought they knew what was going on. Or whenever a problem arose, they never, NEVER talked it out. There was either crying or slapping or cursing or fighting OR silently leaving (but oh well, we all know about those things from almost every drama, right). They never really said what needed to be said. Only a few situations occurred (after the volcano had already erupted, you could say), when misunderstandings were finally cleared. It made me happy again because it was overdue a long time ago, and made me forget all the complaints I had before. The reason why especially this drama heated my emotions so much is because all the characters felt so alive. I saw and felt their yearning for understanding.

Because of this I wanted to deducted half a point but... nope, I got too invested in the story and the characters and was never disappointed (unnerved sometimes, yes, but never once did I thought it was a waste of time). It deserves my 10 and a place on my precious drama list.

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Completed
Sadako 3D
2 people found this review helpful
Jun 7, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
Well, well...
Totally mainstream horror movie if you ask me. Nothing new, predictable story with typical horror tropes and characters. Something you can watch with your friends for fun. Even watching it alone wouldn't get you a heart attack.

Slow and calm start but it sped up in the second half. The finale was actually quite entertaining. And sometimes even a bit scarily disgusting to a point where I had to cover half of my face X'D Ah, I'm such a loser... Nevertheless, it didn't give me any lasting goosebumps after the movie ended.

Cinematography was pretty good and I liked the blue overlay onto the scenes. CGI was... completely obvious and almost comical.

Shocking moments relied on the 3D effect. But since I didn't watch the movie in 3D, it failed completely. I'm not even sure if it would scare me that much IF I had watched it in 3D. Everything that was meant to be 3D looked like plastic.

I can't compare this to other Sadako stories, since I only watched the American version of The Ring. This movie was only average and definitely no "must watch".

Sigh... I might even lower the rating although I liked the cast, actually. Ishihara Satomi and Seto Koji did a good job with their roles although there was not much to work with.

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Completed
Tunnel
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 17, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
Anyone knows the movie "Buried"? Or did you see "D-Day"?

Well, this one is not exactly the same but there are many similarities in the basic concept. It's about a man who gets trapped in a collapsed tunnel. Luckily, his phone gets a signal, so he can make an emergency call. Otherwise any help would have taken some time since the tunnel itself was a new construction and didn't have much traffic yet.

The overall meaning of this movie doesn't seem to be his struggle to survive until rescue arrives. It rather displays that so many things can actually go wrong, and what the public and single individuals are thinking about the whole incident as times passes. And although I got angry so many times while watching, many things got closer to reality than we would admit. Secret thoughts versus proper behavior versus taking action through the back door. How would one really behave when facing an extreme situation - being a victim, a bystander, a culprit or a person in charge. Who's protecting his interests and who's protecting his conscience?

The movie wasn't perfect. Most of it was gripping but it still had its longueurs. Maybe... if they had reduced some of those parts that made me angry throughout the movie...? Wouldn't have done any damage.

The acting was really good. I'm only starting to appreciate Ha Jeong Woo's acting but I'm already quite impressed with what I've seen so far. There were so many characters that most of them couldn't show any depth and many of them felt like silhouettes and ghosts. But those few who got more screen time were good in delivering the message.

Korean filmmakers have a knack for disaster movies - though in their own way, but they hardly disappoint.

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Completed
Splash Splash Love
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 5, 2016
2 of 2 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This little drama was so sweet!

Ok, the story itself is not a new one. It's not really a surprise how it will turn out. But nevertheless it was quite enjoyable. And at some point I WAS a bit surprised because for some seconds I really thought the ending would be another than what I was anticipating. A little turn of events that made my heart beat faster.

I think what I enjoyed most was this kind of Joseon. Everything was a little lighter, the atmosphere was not as dark and intriguing as in those other more serious historical dramas. Not so much whispering and treason and whatever. The plot was more focused on the young king and the girl. The development of their relationship was so amusing and sweet and I caught myself smirking everytime they were together. I smiled along with them alot, when they were happy about something. But there were also some sad moments where I almost cried.

I liked the acting alot, esp. the king (although he was not an eye candy for me). Still, he convinced me and earned my recognition since he was partly responsible for that sweet romance that both lead actors displayed so well. (But seriously, do you know the feeling when you think the Joseon style looked better on the guy than the present one? :'D)

Ah, don't forget about the little reference to another historical drama that made me giggle in delight.

(Music rating is a bit low because although it wasn't bad, it could have been a little better, something to remember)

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Completed
Love between Fairy and Devil
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 30, 2022
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

A weird first episode, a great middle-part and a totally rushed finale

I've only recently entered the Xianxia universe, everything is still fresh and new to me, so bear with me and my totally subjective point of view and rating. My first one was Ashes of Love which I binged within one week (and only two weeks ago at that, hence still present when I started this one), so the bar was set quite high from the very first minute.

The story is intriguing and the title itself already hints to what you can expect (even though it sounds a bit cheesy). Two completely different beings fall in love with each other. You can already smell the scandal, the passion and the tragedy. Everyone who's a sucker for starcrossed lovers would take the bait. Me included, even though I didn't want to give in to the hype during its airing time. But the temptation was too big and I didn't regret it afterall. I'm actually glad because I can't be spoilered anymore (the risk was high, believe me).

The first episodes didn't pick me up right away. It was quite slow-paced and the female lead's voice was very high pitched. Many people complained about it. I bore with and got used to it pretty quickly though, until I didn't mind it at all anymore. At some point it started to fit her. It formed her character throughout the drama and became a special trait while she was evolving. It also helped distinguish different sides of her later on. She started off as a somewhat naive young woman who already experienced some hardships, i.e. not being accepted by others but her master, or loneliness. But she also got a sense of responsibility and took care of the destiny books in Arbiter Hall where she lived. Sometimes she behaved a bit childish but at the end she instinctively did the right thing. I wouldn't call her foolish either. She often found solutions on her own, even though those caused inconvenient consequences once in a while and were not always to my liking. But as the story went on, she grew with her tasks. I was really impressed by her resolution whenever she made a life-changing decision. Once she realized her biggest desire, she never wavered. I didn't always know what she was going to do, but I was never let down by her.

Dongfang, the male lead, had a hard time to win me over. But once the ice was broken, it was a pleasure to watch his character grow. In the earlier episodes he was moody all the time, what I could totally understand regarding the situation he was in. Sometimes though I found his expressions somewhat lacking, albeit that part was intended right from the beginning, and got explained later on. The missing emotions had positive effect though. It was quite impressive whenever his cold demeanor unexpectedly burst into fury. In the second half then, Donfang's character also gained a lot more layers and got complexier which made me happy beyond explanation. There was a point that completely changed my impression of the actor himself and allowed me then to fully enjoy his performance while finally wholeheartedly diving into the abysses of the lead.

The God of War, Changheng was never a character, I liked a lot. He was the second love interest which didn't even bother me. But he never thought twice about his implusive decisions. And when consequences hit him or bystanders hard, he rowed back. He decided on his own what was good for others. At some point though, he actually changed to the better, made me like him in some way which I didn't think was possible in the beginning.

The side cast was as intriguing as the main leads, I was invested in their stories alot, esp. Rong Hao's. Without telling too much, his tale was one of the most understandable and heartbreaking ones. On the other hand, Dongfang's brother got a reasonable history on his own. Whether intended or not, he never made me trust him completely though. There were also some loose ends of other people which I had liked to be explored some more, but I guess I can't have everything.

The acting was overall really good, however one or two people still need some fine-tuning, for example Dongfang's ~sidekick. At times he acted really well, in other situations he didn't seem confident at all.

What I really appeciated was that the love story took its time. It was slow-burning and subtle, hence it released a satisfying feeling when it finally bloomed, and got poignant at its climax. Misunderstandings get cleared pretty fast, too.

But as great as the middle-part became, the end itself was a small let-down for me. Alot of things suddenly happened in a really short amount of time. As if the writers didn't have enough time to tell everything. Fast changing scenes and small time jumps that led to a dysbalance of the overall atmosphere. Because it felt so rushed, the tension somewhat abated and didn't touch me as much as previous events in the drama. That part would have been a great finale if they had added one more episode.

As for the framing, beautiful music and CGI, and stunning costumes make this drama a feast for eyes and ears, but my absolute no. 1 highlight is Dongfang's hair. I can't even fathom what spell bewitched me here. I was always in awe whenever I saw it (which happened like... 90% of the drama, yes).

If someone is considering whether to watch this one or not, I'd say yes. It doesn't have that many episodes, the story is easy to understand and the character development is quite presentable. Also, there's a nice shifting of who the actual villain is even though it's predictable (if you include jerks, that damn almighty emperor would get first place, but who asks me).

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Completed
Priest
3 people found this review helpful
May 21, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I only watched this now and it's a bit sad that there's not that much talk on this drama. But I guess the airing time was very unfortunate, I heard that it started right after "The Guest". It's obviously hard to fill in the spot "The Guest" has left, so either you're fed up with one demon/mystery drama or (if you're not) you just can't do anything about comparing the new drama to the previous one. "The Guest" set the bar high and "Priest" was probably doomed to fail, regardless whether it was indeed not as good or just missed the right timing.

But let me tell you a few things that might convince you to start this nonetheless. I actually think that the poster was a bad choice. It doesn't invite people to watch this. When I first saw it, I thought the drama would be something like "Save Me", but don't ask me why I got that impression. Now I can reassure you, it's definitely nothing like that.

It is indeed about a powerful demon and a small group (unrecognized by the church) of two Catholic priests and three... let's say believers/co-workers who made it their business to fight evil and exorcise possessed humans. As the story goes on, it becomes clear that everything leads to a certain demon whose past is connected with the two priests (yes, of course, it is a k-drama after all).

I'm always cautious with OCN. They can impress as much as they can disappoint. With "Priest" they once again proved how well they can create atmosphere in a drama. You might not have your jumping moments, but you definitely get sucked into its dark and unearthly ambience when the scene requests for it (so if you really want to enjoy the full experience, do yourself a favor and watch the drama at night).

At times that eery feeling gets disrupted by a busy hospital life but still doesn't cut the story in two. Quite the opposite. It not only introduces the female lead, but also happens to be a returning "crime scene". So, people, pasts and places are all affiliated with each other.

Every character has a purpose, no matter how small it may be. In the end they all help create a three-dimensional environment for the main cast and story. Therefore, it's unnecessary to orate about performances because the cast is so smoothly entangled in the script that you just don't pay attention to someone's "acting skill" anymore. That's how good they are and I think that also pretty much paints the picture already.

I do have to mention that "Priest" also reached a point where I actually would have started to complain about some serious things. It stretched its (supernatural) limits quite good and almost slipped off to absurdity. It also felt like they switched genres. BUT - and here I have to refer to the beginning of my review - I did say that this drama doesn't have any real jumping scenes, but it definitely has an ace up its sleeve. A twist I didn't expect. A twist that compensates for almost everything frown-worthy before. It's actually a not so well received trope for experienced drama-watchers. Funnily, here it's making up for everything (not because of viewers' personal desires but because it fits the story so well).

Whether that turn of events was planned from the beginning or just a spontaneous idea later on doesn't matter. It was needed, it was well placed and made the story so much better (it didn't feel spontaneous at all though). The story got back on track and lingering worries faded away with the finale episodes coming closer. The ending suited the impression of the story about sacrifice and fate. Not a fate chosen by some deity but by oneself.

Thought of the day. Amen.

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Completed
Angel's Last Mission: Love
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 2, 2019
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
Really beautiful drama.

The story was well written and the theme about ballet was well chosen as well. The fragility of the dance is mirrored in the plot. Ballet is fragile yet strong, and so is the love story of Yeon Soo and Dan.

Though the big finale was predictable, it was still very good. You anticipate it to happen and just want to know how it's playing out in the end.

Not everything was predictable though, there were also many smaller things that surprised me. I'm also glad that not every death was a planned assassination here.

Acting was really, really good. I'm used to Shin Hye Sun's convincing skills, but I have to praise L's performance even more. He improved a lot since I last saw him in a drama. His scenes were never lacking nor were they exaggerated. It seemed as if Dan's character was written for L's body and soul. I can't think of anyone else more fitting.

The cinematography of some scenes were quite an eyecatcher. And to complete the picture, the music was at its best. It was so well composed and placed that the drama would truly have missed out if it wouldn't have been a part of it. It's one of those soundtracks that makes you immediately remember the drama that belonged to it. It was sad and beautiful and comforting and hopeful.

Definitely recommended.

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Completed
Mr. Sunshine
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 6
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.5
I can't put in words how much I loved this drama. From the very first minute I knew I would be doomed and this didn't change throughout the whole 24 episodes. It took me on a captivating journey and let me dive into another world every day.

I knew that this drama would come with lots of heart wrecking moments. Moments that moved me so often because the story did an excellent groundwork of its characters. There were so many facettes of each of them, you unknowingly start to root for everyone, even though some of them might have started out with your disliking. Although... No, actually not. I never really disliked anyone who didn't deserve it. It's exciting to see everyone's story develop, to see where their decisions lead them. They are like branches, pointed towards different paths, and yet grew from the same tree. And in the end the wind blows them in the same direction.

I never felt that the story would move forward too slow because each scene was important to me. Like enjoying a good wine. Every tiny moment sucks you in and doesn't let go. And with all the historical background it was exciting and refreshing to hear at least 3 (sometimes even 4) different languages throughout the whole drama. Though I can't judge the Japanese parts, the English ones sounded pretty good to me.

This is not a drama that blends you with a stunning cinematography, pretty costumes and a nice setting, just to cover up a lacking story. This drama does have all these things AND a convincing and fullfilling plot which makes it a gem in this massive pool of dramas.

It's a story about friendship, loyalty, bravery, love and sacrifice. And it would be a shame to miss out on it.

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Completed
Back from the Brink
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 26, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I haven't watched many Xianxia so far. But with the few I did, I had rarely much to complain about (as far as I remember). And it's not different with this one either. Loved it the same~

If there were a few things, it would be what I mentioned in the beginning. Slow start with reduced facial expressions of the ML. But it quickly got better. And the plot continued to get better and better and better, too.

And then episode 31 happened. And episode 32... Well, I don't want to complain about the further story after those eps. But the events that happened during 31/32 felt like the ultimate climax. Everything afterwards resembled only a shadow of everything that happened before (which is funny considering the plot, lol). I still loved the story, there was just not much to rage about. New problems were solved quite fast, no heart ripping moments between the leads and so on. And yes, maybe it was nice to take a breather, but well... My masochistic tendencies hungered for mooore 👀.
Only the last few episodes tried to build up climax again. And it got me quite good almost the same. But it didn't reach the same level as those 2 episodes some time earlier.

Nevertheless, I felt highly entertained, got addicted, lost my heart and will now pursue the soundtrack and lots of pictures 🤪

Funny thing btw, it somewhat felt like a computer game. There was this big journey of the main cast. They had to travel to different places, collect things... And along their journey they met all kinds of people. Lol.
Sometimes even the gadgets felt a bit funny. That shell "ear bud" or that flower bulletin to communicate? Yes... 😅👍

Ohhh, and only later on in backflashes I realized how much the ML's hair was continously growing throughout his development. Nice one!

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Completed
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity
0 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A perfect story

The story was captivating, the pace was really good and the storytelling was almost flawless from beginning to end. CGI, costumes and make up were stunning, the choreography of the fights was awesome.

I appreciate it a lot that they took their time to tell everyone's story (expect for Bora's, that one came up short, though you might argue whether their was actually enough told for the story). That way I could connect with them, understand their actions and enjoy their adventure. The acting added its sweet part as well, so there wouldn't be anything to complain about. I mean, there was no dull moment, not even for a second.

The music was fantastic. Sweet and melancholic, creating a perfect mood.

A round about satisfying watch that depicts the concept of "Yin and Yang" in an understandable and impressive way. As a side snack you get a nice bromance, too~

(On a side not, what I didn't get was the serpent at the beginning and the one from the main story... That one wasn't the same, was it? But if not, why were there more than one? The story sounded like there was only one. But if it was that one, how's that possible since the main one was concealed at that time?)

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Completed
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0

Delicate and Raw

When I randomly started this, I didn't think I would finish it so fast. But here I am two weeks later, giving this one a full 10.

If I had to describe this drama with one word, it would probably be: ~"delicate"... and every other attribute you would associate with it. While watching I always felt like intruding some kind of intimate privacy. I know that sounds weird but I just don't know how to describe it otherwise. The music fits so well and adds enough sorrow and longing to the story, to make it even more perfect.

The cast did a fantastic job in portraying their different roles, be it in the past or the present. They did well in showing that even though some of them were reincarneted, they still got different personalities and therefore acted to their experiences, not their past selves. As for the immortal main lead, he went through some dreadful ordeals that explain his 600 years lasting urge for revenge. Even more remarkable was how he faced the new trials that arose after circumstances changed. Lee Jin Wook did an unbelievably awesome job in displaying the subliminal evolution and growth of his character during and after overcoming those challenges and still keeping them locked up to the very last minute until they finally erupted.

The "other" villain was a fascinating individual himself. He was multi-layered and yet he always seemed as if something was missing. Considering his body condition that part was quite accurate and well played. He managed to make me care for him enough to feel somewhat sad at how it all played out in the end.

I'm impressed how well the writers managed to keep me in the dark about the overall story. Whenever I thought I knew what was going on, they added another angle to the story and threw me back to the start. They sit through that way till the end without losing its original tension which many other dramas fail to accomplish, and I'm so glad about that because it gave the story some constancy.

Every part of this drama interwines so well with the other ones, whether it be the cinematography, the music, the cast or the script. Putting everything together creates a great watch, I didn't expect to love so much. And I'm so glad that there's no cheesy "I love you" line. That would have ruined the whole thing.

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Completed
Sell Your Haunted House
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 4, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Interesting story, but lacking in character design

The idea was interesting, the storytelling was good enough to keep me going. As I said before, I liked the cases they were working together, they made me somewhat invested in the characters tragedies.

But it was sad that they didn't put more effort into building a solid background for the exorcism itself. They always mentioned some historical infos here and there, so it would help the current case, but it always felt only half-baked and clumsy in thinking it through. Especially the dealing with the cases during the last episodes, even though the action during those episodes was really good.

I always found Jang Na Ra's character very one-dimensional, although I liked her resting b**-face at times. But seeing it throughout the whole 16 eps was tedious. And there was NO character development, a smirk here and there doesn't make it any better. Her male part, Oh In-Beom was way more interesting (even though I'm usually not a fan of the actor). Jung Yong Hwa's acting skills were somewhat limited (or the writing lacked) but still more entertaining than Jang Na Ra here.

Also, the villian!! Please... I'm a fan of Ahn Kil Kang, but the writing of his character was just so, so bad! There was no depth, no background story, no explaining of his character. What a waste of potential.

Overall: Entertaining because of the cases and the CGI. Really, the special effects were really well done! The ghosts at times were frightening, one or two jump-scares (when you watch it at night, alone, lol), and that special faceless one was an interesting idea and a good implementation.

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