Reviews

Unearthing Timeless Aroma: 'Scent of Time' – The Must See Drama of 2023

"Scent of Time" surpassed all of my expectations and proved to be an exceptional drama. From the very first episode to the last, it unfolded as a well-crafted and beautifully executed masterpiece. The show cleverly dropped hints throughout the series, keeping us engaged, and ensuring we wouldn't be disappointed when the truth was revealed that it was all just a dream.

I wholeheartedly give this a solid 10/10. This drama is not only my favorite of the year, but it has also earned a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorites. Its compelling storyline, exceptional acting, and remarkable production quality make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates top-notch storytelling and entertainment.

I couldn't recommend this drama more highly; it's a true gem in the C-drama Land.

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To Find Yourself, Think of Yourself - socrates

This drama started with an issue of a 32-years-old career women who doesn't have experience in dating.
Her first love promised to get married in future, but it fell right after they met again after years.

The FL, He Fan Xing, is the oldest daughter in family- even tho she has twin brother, but she's more mature than her twin. When they are younger, her twin brother, He Can Yang, doesn't let any guy to get closer to her until no one wanted to get close her. She is definitely has zero experience in dating. So, her mind and act is easily read by others.
Fang Xin is like an earth. She has everything like beauty, career, money and loving family. But she also has gravity and magnetic force fields, so she make sure everything she does, doesn't effect everyone around her.

The ML, Yuan Song, is an intern who brought by Fang Xing because of her brother asked her. At first, Yuan Song is kind of troublemaker and like to tease her after he started to get know her true--of course, it's also because her brother always sharing about how weird his twin sister to him. He found Fang Xing is mature yet innocent, so he attracted to her charm.
His character like a wind, sometimes calm sometimes not, transparent and running towards his dream.

Their three months relationship may not shown much because it's not only focused on main lead relationship. But I can say they are happy during the three months. It shown how much Yuan Song loved her and how Fang Xin cared for him even after the break up.

The SML, Ye Lu Ming, may be bit sneaky and ambitious. After he successed separated Fang Xin and Yuan Song, he always understimated Yuan Song. He feel he has win over him (after lose to him at first). Like, he wanted a limited edition bag but someone buy before you right in front of your eyes, you may do everything to get the bag. He is like a fire.
But, I can see he is not evil. He is good towards his niece and family, but also a fool for love. He sometimes creep me out because he was like popped out nowhere around Fang Xin.

Actually, I can understand why Fang Xin is very careful with her relationship with Yuan Song. She is 10 years older, and Yuan Song is her brother's student. As women, it is very sensitive matter. She doesn't want especially her family being talked in town after the topic she WAS 32 and UNMARRIED. She also doesn't want to hold Yuan Song, who is handsome. rich and have bright future and of course YOUNG. Whilst, Yuan Song feel insecure because he JUST graduated and an intern in Fang Xin's company. while the opponent is successful.
This matter worsened by Lu Ming's advices, which is turn out to be their break up.

Honestly, the story get better after the break up. I like how Yuan Song trying to fight his girl back, with raise his own value. Yuan Song know exactly what he want to do. It was good drama to watch.

Just like the title of drama, they need to Find Themselves and what they really wants before others.

This drama also is not just about their triangle love story. It also shown many relateable issues and heartwarming family, friends, and collegues.
The jokes also cracked me up especially with Can Yang's antics.

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Every cliche under the sun

I’m not sure if I watched the same show as a lot of these other reviewers, but I ended up watching the final episodes because I had already spent the time with the earlier episodes. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a series where they tried to cram every overly dramatic themes into one show. What *can’t* the FL do? She’s apparently an expert at everything all the rescue firefighters, who train constantly, and do it all without gloves, protective gear, or sense. She is the ultimate dog trainer, AND she is the investigative reporter who digs in and uncovers ALL the corruption under the sun. Don’t even get me started on the annoying and pathetic second ML (can we even call him that?) He’s apparently a 25 year old CEO of a major financial powerhouse who rides around in Bentleys and Range Rovers who also hitches rides with random truckers and has time to personally carry a girl in his back all night long, with a sprained ankle…. Oh my god I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it here and just say painful!!

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Most of the people who watched this show can be put into two categories: the ones who really liked it and the ones who were really disappointed. I understand the sentiment of both groups.

This show is a remake of the popular Waterboyy movie but don't expect to get the movie just in series form. The overall feeling is really different, you'll only recognize some things from the movie, although this show brings a lot of new and interesting elements.

Acting
Different from the movie the series has other couples and straight couples in it too. And while I was mostly interested in Waii and Apo's story I caught myself watching some of the other stories too. But all for a different reason. Min and Wan as example, many people thought they were bland and didn't match well...well, I thought Min's actor was so good that I just watched his story for his acting and less because I was interested in where it goes.
As for Waii and Apo. Let me say, Apo's actor, I think New or Neww is his short name? He is really amazing. I watched him in a supporting role in SOTUS but in this show he gets all the spotlight as a main lead and I'm amazed how good he is. He really managed to show emotions just through actions, looks and his body. Not always words needed. He also gave Apo character and made him more believable.

Story and Chemistry
One thing Thai (BL) series are better in than any other shows I watch worldwide, is chemistry. Thai shows excell at that and that's one of the reasons I love them so much. So...the storytelling in this show is...strange...yea, this is one of those shows where I can say: If you didn't like the first two episodes but like shows like this, then continue watching. The first two episodes are awkward and strange and the chemistry seems forced and staged.
And then comes ep 3 and 4 and so on and suddenly there is chemistry where there was none before. Don't ask me how it happens or what is going on but it is what it is. The chemistry between the couples takes some time to bloom but when it's there, it's there and it stays. So don't worry if you don't like the first few episodes.

Unexpected...
I decided to bring up some points here, that others were disappointed in. A lot of people say that Waii and Apo's relationship is like awkward 2 eps - teasing the audience 10 eps - full on romance 2 eps. It sometimes just seems rushed and strange how fast the sentiments of the charas in the show change. Well, I don't take it too seriously. Just when they fall into full on romance, I'm like "and that's the moment when the producers had enough of their own teasing". So the storytelling is definitely not perfect in this series.

Why to watch?
Because the chemistry between Apo and Waii grows really really strong.
Because Min's actor is amazing.
Because Apo is just the right mix of cute and cheeky especially around Waii. He knows how to be sweet and is totally in love but also knows when he has to stand strong and not give in.
Because it features a really nice scene every BL fan will love.
Because it needs to get really popular for me to get a second season to watch ^.^

I don't think this review helps anyone but if it does, my pleasure :D

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Sisterhood in a man´s world. Let yourself get both annoyed & inspired by politics behind the scenes

What a wonderful power show inside out politics. Yes, it's ugly and you might want to smash right into it. Often enough and plentifully. But it also has its heart in the right place. Repeatedly. Dealing with politics may make you doubt the meaning and purpose of democracy. But it doesn't get any better without those intrepid heroes willing to stand up for a better world. One may sometimes lose faith in something like a democratic gene in people. But one can always hope and fear. The game is only over when it is over. The election is not over until the votes have all been counted.

Stupendous women. On both sides of the front. And the men? Oh well. So and so. (And if many people complain about Lee Geung-young because of his scandal, he at least prefers to choose the role of the challenging guy, where one can wholeheartedly consider him disgusting...)

Well, I consider the sisterhood thing being the crucial message for me in this story. Yes, there are strong, competent women, who, against better female instincts, cling to old structures and customs - in the wake of the Jaebeol clan. Yet there are those competent, motivated, witty, loyal to higher ideals women, too, who are sharing those ideals with others and walking side by side. Even if tempted and seduced they still sense what is right and wrong and act on that when in doubt. Using and abusing (interchangeable lackeys) for personal gain vs. appreciation and recognition (of brothers and sisters) are very sensitively compared here as common HR strategies and management styles.

With 11 episodes (only), Netflix slips through the story fairly quickly - only the most necessary input about the protagonists are given. However, especially the actresses don't let the story rush past you. Kudos to (in this case in particular) the heart and soul of the Ahjummas and a storytelling that, while strikingly handling the political landscape for its stringency, nevertheless spreads the complex mixture of motives, hopes and fears in a well-sorted manner.

Does the end justify the means? This age-old question apparently never ages. "Queenmaker" makes you think, but also often leaves you terribly annoyed about the way things are. The KDrama makes you angry, demoralizes, and yet: at the same time it gives hope. Strong women, a strong story, an often enough an ugly world in which, however, once again each individual contributes to the fact that it could be one way or another...

Obviously I would recommend it - if you´re in the mood for something like that. And: obviously there are no Idols and no Love Story involved. People may die, but it is no crime story. It isn´t funny, either. Nevertheless, I would say, you should check it out and let yourself get both annoyed and inspired by politics behind the scenes.

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The drama makes me smile and give me excitement. Its help me to look forward every episodes. The character and the casting of this drama is winner in acting. Looking forward for more awards to this drama. It is a super twist ending, i did not expect that i got nervous watching it. I think this drama will give the cast a great opportunity in their career. They will be recognized as a good actors and actresses. More drama or series to come to all the cast involved specially to king and queen. Hopefully soon they will be cast again together in a drama. The chemistry of the lead actors is superb.. im speechless!!!!

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INTENSITY WILL HAVE YOU DYING!!!!!!!!!

WTF happened 28 years ago? this show will make you ask that every episode. Why the hell is every character so fucking SMART, the male lead could MANIPULATE ANYONE like he was PLAYING CHESS. Reminds me of DEATH NOTE with all the high IQ characters. Being intelligently advanced is one thing but being physically capable of doing anything a human body can is insane and OVERPOWERED.

The SECRET MYSTERY will make you binge watch the hell out of this drama until you finally find it out but then another mystery will pull you in. Also its NAM GOONG MIN like do you even need a reason why? Watch this drama and you'll end up having trust issues with every character and end up staying up until 4 am watching this. BE WARNED!!!

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WOW

Ok so first this show took FOREVER to be Eng subbed but once it was I went straight for it. The teaser was intense so it's obvious the movie itself would be too. If you're not into intense sexual content and basically rape this IS NOT the show for you. Believe it or not it had a relatively good storyline/plot. The actors really drew me in throughout the whole movie and I'm not disappointed in any area. I gave it a high rating because it deserves it. The ending alone was satisfying and I definitely recommend because it deals with real life issues such as suicide and kinda shows how you can find love in such rare places.

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The road to perdition.

To put it simply, The Knockout knocks it out of the park with its audacious portrayal of an anti-villain as the main protagonist. Spanning twenty years, it is a masterful account of how a struggling everyman insidiously strays onto the road to perdition. The stage is set brilliantly from the get-go to manipulate us into sympathizing with a character who does terrible things. We are blinded by their humanity and blame the system for failing them, forcing the oppressed to become the oppressor.

Gao Qiqiang starts out as a humble fishmonger doing his best to raise his younger brother and sister. When thugs threaten their livelihood, he stands up to them but is framed and arrested. An upstanding young officer An Xi suspects he was bullied, books the case leniently, and tries to keep his tormentors at bay. Ironically with small acts of kindness, An Xi empowers Gao Giqiang and propels him in unimaginable ways. The complex and sincere bond of empathy and indebtedness that is forged between the two men is the linchpin of this story. Their most pivotal character turning points and moments of truth play out on the neutral ground of a humble noodle shop. where much is revealed with few words.

It is clear from the outpouring of accolades that Gao Qiqiang is an iconic portrayal that put the hitherto under-appreciated Zhang Songwen on the map. Gao Qiqiang is a visionary mastermind who draws inspiration from Sun Tzu's Art of War. He is dangerously underestimated because of his amicable facade and his disarming affection for and vulnerability with those he cares for. The way he embraces fashion to please his wife to how he willfully blinds himself to his brother's weaknesses is both touching and relatable. When crossed, threatened, or betrayed, he is unforgiving and cruel to the point of depravity - no one is safe from him. He is chillingly ruthless and implacable when it comes to imposing his own brand of loyalty and justice. Like any good sociopath he oozes regret but in truth has no qualms about sacrificing his generals. He "makes it right" by caring for their families sincerely and with deep gratitude. He is bound by a very misguided code; one that is ruthless and amoral yet oddly authentic and honorable. Zhang Songwen embodies this character so well that some believe he is not acting and insist he should be at least investigated, if not locked up.

An Xi is both Gao Qiqiang's savior and his nemesis. More than anything, he is his biggest victim. This character makes me sad and mad. He is well meaning and does the right thing with all the wrong outcomes. Zhang Yi was reluctant to accept the role of An Xi, feeling he wasn't a good fit and wouldn't able to pull it off. But Zhang Songwen's Gao Qiqiang would not be so compelling without Zhang Yi's An Xi. It is their incredible rapport and ability to silently communicate that makes the small screen seem huge. Zhang Yi's expressive gaze and more subtle style is the perfect foil for Zhang Songwen's flamboyance and charisma. While I admired and sympathised with Gao Qiqiang, An Xi is the one that often moved me to tears. His speaking eyes frequently implore Gao Qiqiang to be a good man and convey bottomless dejection that gives lie to the goofy smiles he flashes at Meng Yu. The aging of characters over three distinct time arcs across twenty years is rarely captured as well as it is here. But it is Zhang Yi that simply nails this part - he is wary and tired but not quite beaten; the righteous flame in his eyes are dimmed but at the core still burns hot.

This drama is impeccably cast and is a who's who list of China's best actors, all of whom deliver immersive performances. The director's incisive lens meticulously peels back the many layers of the multi-faceted characters and their intricate relationships. The female characters are written to be strong and impactful beyond their screen time. Li Yitong really takes her acting to another level as Meng Yu; it is by far her strongest, most memorable role to date. Her screen chemistry with Zhang Yi is unexpected and endearing. And then there is Gao Ye's simply sensational Chen Shuting, the ultimate gangster's moll - cool, stylish and fearless. The way she menaces the wits out of Gao Qiqiang is one of the drama's highlights for me. There is a lot more on-screen violence in this drama than I expected. While the worst of it takes place off-screen, it is so well staged that it is more visceral and blood thirsty in my overactive imagination.

The rich plot builds to a shocking, unpredictable and devastating climax about a third of the way through. Then it loses momentum and in the final ten episodes it limps toward a predictable ending. This is somewhat to be expected as this was produced in partnership with the state, the nationalist message is inevitable.I really did not care about the party's anti corruption task force and yawned through their heroic sweep through Jinghai City to weed out the endemic corruption that had seeped into the cracks at every level of the bureaucracy. It is clear that there were some cuts and at least one character is whitewashed but I don't think it changes the gist of the final outcome. The final confrontation between Gao Qiqiang and An Xi saves the entire arc and there were enough characters I cared about including Meng Yu that it was still overall a decent arc. All considered, I am not as dismayed by the way this ends as others are. The fact that the government always wins is a foregone conclusion and not a spoiler in any crime and/or corruption themed Chinese drama. But in this case, I don't really think it shines that great of a light on "the good guys". I mean where were they for twenty years? And I am not sure the "good guys" win here. Poor An Xi is definitely is not a winner; in fact no one wins. Indeed audiences overwhelmingly empathise with Gao Qiqiang. Thus this is actually a very dark crime story with a surreptitiously bold and critical ending.

This spectacular crime thriller is a must watch. The first 30 episodes feel like a tour de force that can easily be rated 9.0/9.5. The rest are more at the 8.0 level so 9.0 feels about right for my final rating.

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A reflective, authentic watch. *No Spoilers*

This drama deserves a much higher rating in my opinion.

What I found most enjoyable about this whole show is how mature, high quality the characters are. Even the supporting cast is excellent in a natural way. All the characters handle conflict in a natural, mostly mature way, true to real life instead of the clichéd sort of characters who are naive, childish, unruly, whiny, manipulative in an over-exaggerated manner and ultimately boring to watch. Instead this cast of characters are brilliant thinkers and dreamers with some flaws. This isn’t a boring watch where everything is perfect and nothing happens in the plot, rather, the characters authentically handle conflict, true to their character, which makes the conflict more interesting.

How well written the characters are really left an impression on me. Props to the writer.

The actors embody their characters precisely. Although in real life, the male love interests greatly differ in age compared to the female lead, that is not the focus of this drama. Rather the tone of this show is to get back on your feet after shortcomings. This drama focuses on how we influence those around us and how we are inspired by them as well, when working towards a common goal.

The directing, camera angles and pacing of the show help the viewer to truly experience the development of the characters and their lives, resulting in some beautiful shots that evoke emotions—not overdone but not insignificant.

This drama has raised my expectations of what makes a quality Japanese drama and it is hard to top.

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Lead chemistry saved this show

The good:
The song "Ikuokukonen" by Omoinotake is an absolute banger. I've been following this band since they made the ost for the "Twittering Birds Never Fly" movie, and I'm glad they got their break with "Ikuokukonen".

Acting:
Chae Jong Hyeop's acting is seriously great! He exudes that golden retriever energy without being cringy, and his subtle acting with his eyes when the tone gets serious makes me emotional. I've been following the producers for the show and Jong Hyeop contributed to some of my favorite scenes!

The Cast:
I've been following the show's Instagram/Twitter/TikTok accounts, and the chemistry between Chae Jong Hyeop and fumi nikaido and with the staff heals me lol.

The Bad:
The story needs a lot of work. I read on the producer's Twitter account that he worked on this story since 2021 and it still needs work. The added drama with Min Ha Na and the book was unnecessary and contrived. They added some lore that had something to do with Ainu people that looks like went nowhere. IDK, the plot is a bit of a mess after episode 5/6.

I see people criticizing the people criticizing the FL's acting, but even Japanese people have been saying it's bad on filmarks.com (which is like the Japanese version of IMDB). I kinda agree, but I feel like it's the fault of the director and how they characterized her character.

Anyways I love Chae Jong Hyeop and he really carried this show for me. Overall I like the show, and its a comfort show for me. Something easy to watch and makes me feel all warm inside lol. I watched episodes 1-3 three times already and Tae-Oh still gives me butterflies in my stomach lol. He smile is to die for.

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An Anti-Romance in the Best Possible Way

The Red Sleeve does something I never thought I’d see in a K-drama - it dares to suggest that love may not conquer all. Most “romantic” sageuks start with the premise that every commoner or court lady dreams of being swept off her feet by a handsome prince, but few look closely at the power dynamics of such relationships, especially in the Joseon era where the patriarchy was so rigid that even the most powerful woman in the kingdom, the Queen Dowager, was essentially under house arrest. To its credit, The Red Sleeve centers this fundamental inequality, suggesting that consenting relationships are impossible if one person is the master and the other, functionally, a slave. It’s also smart enough to feature one of Joseon’s “best” kings as its male lead, emphasizing that the issue is systemic, not individual, and that no ruler, no matter how just, upright and swoony can be an ideal partner as long as they view their love interest as a possession. And when a woman must obey, the line between rape and mutual affection quickly blurs, even if the man is doing it “for her own good.” The discomfort the show induces is magnified by the fact that it includes no easy villains. Everyone has an agenda, but everyone is also trying to do their best in a world where protocol and order take precedence over human feeling. But when human feelings must be excised in the name of duty, the drama reminds us that it’s often women who take the fall. It asks us to reconsider whose lives matter, and argues that agency, even the agency to choose heartbreak, may be preferable to even the dreamiest of suitors.

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