Quantcast
Completed
While You Were Sleeping
35 people found this review helpful
by Shiro
Apr 26, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Simply one of the best...

So good, so good, soo good... This drama may be about people sleeping, but is sure to keep you wide a wake and on your toes as you binge it... The first episodes are packed with humour as well as heart heartfluttering flirting, fun and twists of fate, twist of umbrellas, twists of the arm... Showing all from exploding busses (ok 1), to domestic abuse and hubby love. Watching glimpses of your future when you sleep may not only save your life but will also shorten the runway in to love... or make you run scared... heck why not both?

As the show progresses the darker and deeper tit gets, the suspense and issues rise... (not that there weren't any in the beginning) and though the plot has lots of side stories they all come together, mixing genres without making a mess! Impressive right?

The show has an overall good and valuable message, about learning from ones mistakes. The characters are not only gorgeous for the eye... they are lovable interesting and not the least bit flat, as each story and character is properly dealt with and shown from several angels, ok not all but most of them. ..

Watching this for the first time will definitely surprise you and probably have you guessing, watching it for the second time you will probably notice a lot of details you thought were insignificant the first time around, and watching it a third time will probably just make your hart flutter, but this is just me guessing since I have actually only seen it twice.

In numbers:
Bingeabilaty: 10
Annoying elamnts: a few but they can be overlooked
Fluff: 10
Visuals: 10
Acting: 10
Side characters: 9
Fun: 10

So if you have yet to have seen this masterpiece go watch it, if you have seen it before go rewatch it...


Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Love Mechanics
35 people found this review helpful
by Shiro
Aug 15, 2022
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Lust, love and a whole lot of drama

What a difference a budget makes...
Same Same But Oh So Different...
Love at second sight....

As I recently watched the first version (same cast, different budget), of this drama I was a bit unsure if watching this adaptation would be worth it but my oh my was this a good choice, a very good choice as this version gave me all I was missing in the first version and more... a lot more , okay it gave mes some highly problematic content as well making it impossible for me to give it a full 10 even if part of me was so entertained I wanted to give it a 15... but enough about that.

What this drama does offer is a lot of fan service, entertainment, some important issues here and thare chemistry that is off the charts, friendship, toxic masculinity, sweetness, and everything but relations goals. Again not something I would want to be part of but highly entertaining to watch. It also made me fall head over heals for Mark (War Wanarat Ratsameerat) as a person who was both adorable, funny, bad ass, sassy, honest and brought out my protector instinct making me want to just give him a big hug most of the drama .

There is also a slight realism to the portrayal of duality in relationships.. falling in and out of love meshing in a big complex web of emotions... loving two people simultaneously, pain, confusion, coming to terms with all kinds of stuff,,. and so on was portrayed pretty well, and is what I assume bothered some viewers but I actually loved how they portrayed this side of infidelity and relationships gone bad... But then I do love watching conflicted emotions, angst, lust and pain. So if you are bothered by any of this stuff you may not enjoy this drama at all or at least not as much as I did.

In my opinion there are not truly annoying characters or elements making it an easy binger and again a lot of fun to watch, but again kids, do not try, well anything of this at home.

So if you are looking for a feel good fluff piece where people actually seek consent move along there is nothing to see here... but if you want som highly entertaining drama, mistakes, steam and real drama this is definitely a good place to look for it,

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
So Not Worth it
35 people found this review helpful
by lestay
Jun 19, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

I enjoyed it!

So far I am seeing this series being separated by two types of viewers- those who hate it and those who like it. I am in the latter. And that's okay! Cause everyone has different personal preferences. It's up to the individual to form thier own opinions when they watch this series.

Story-9/10
I was in the beginning giving this series an 8/10. However, the latter part of the series I actually liked as they touched on issues that I personally wasn't expecting them to touch. So for that, I raised my ratings to a nine (I still felt that it had something that I don't like, so I can't give it the full ten).

Acting-9/10
I actually liked everyone's acting. They were able to keep my attention and was able to get a chuckle or two sometimes out of me. I was very impressed by Choi Youngjae as this is his first acting gig as a ML.

Music-10/10
People are not going to change my mind! The music is a clear 10/10! Loved the OST and just hearing Youngjae singing so beautifully! I was so happy! I played the OST all the time for every episode. That's how in love I am of the song as well as Youngjae's voice.

Rewatch Valu-8/10
I give this an 8/10. Cause while I did enjoy it and don't mind rewatching it again, I just don't see myself watching it immediately- but I do see myself watching it sometime soon.

Overall-9/10
Overall, I enjoyed this series. Maybe I was the targeted audience (I highly doubt it). But what I do know is that yes, I would recommend this series to others.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 43/43
Nothing but Thirty
35 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2020
43 of 43 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

Facing the realities with courage and bursting the lock of patriarchy

I promised myself that I was going to write a review immediately after this drama ended. What can I say? Nothing but thirty is such a beautiful and well written contemporary drama. It’s a drama that breaks stereotype and shapes multidimensional women image (Not every time one size fits all)
My emotions are still raw because this drama was so relatable from high point to low point of each character.

The storyline which depicts the life of three women (Wang Man Ni, Gu Jia & Zhong Xiao Qin) who are approaching their thirties and all the struggles/uncertainties that comes with the age.
Wang Man Ni (Jiang Shuying) is an independent, career-oriented sales assistant who is driven and hardworking. Her immediate goal, at least at the start of the show, is to achieve professional success. Throughout the show, her resilience is put to the test, personally and professionally.

Gu Jia (Tong Yao) is a capable businesswoman turned full-time housewife In many ways, she seems like a perfect wife and a strong mother: well-educated, capable, and thoughtful. But, eventually, she too has to face life’s challenges.

Zhong Xiaoqin is a kind-hearted woman -sometimes to the point of being a pushover -, and has spent years at the same company without rising the ranks. Though her story might seem simple/ordinary at first, her peace is disrupted as her marriage takes a turn for the worse when communication problem arises.

Everything single thing is so put together from the interaction at work (especially Wang Man Ni’s job as a sale assistant/ luxury buying) to the set and the cinematography. The pacing is really good, too, not too slow but not super fast.
And the most beautiful part is, of course, their story which brings them all together as they face uncertainties together. It resonates the power of sisterhood and the importance of Feminism. Even if you are not a fan of contemporary c-drama I’ll recommend that you give this a try. If you are a fan of ode to joy, you’ll most likely love this.

The acting was spectacular, Tong Yao (Gu Jia) did a fantastic job as well as the other two leading ladies Jiang Shuying & Mao Xiaotong
You could feel every emotion they felt. Li Ze Feng did well too because you almost forget this is a drama and you want to hate him in real life so bad. The young actor who portrayed Gu Jia’s son deserves an award. So adorable and intelligent.

Every other character had their own unique personalities and portrayed it nicely. I mostly could relate to Wang Man Ni. You either love them or you hate them. Lol. I loved the small family that was shown at the end of each episode. It reminded me of those small neighborhood stalls in big cities that everyone comes across each day (either you interact with them or not). How sometimes you have to find your own happiness even if you are not in the best of situations. Keep working hard. It paid off at the end.

It seems like everything about the drama is perfect even its music is so apt. The entire OST is so enchanting played at right timings. (My favorite thing to listen these days). You’ll definitely be in your feels every time they come on.

Rewatch it? Definitely. It says “To be Continued” at the end so I’ll definitely be expecting a sequel (with the same characters) and I’m excited at the thought.

This drama is literally one of the best drama of 2020 and If you haven't started it yet then YOU should do it RIGHT NOW!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Centimeter of Love
35 people found this review helpful
Dec 13, 2020
46 of 46 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

My guilty pleasure of 2020

OMG I loved and hated this drama so much!

The story is pretty great, and shows how simple actions have big impacts on life.

This drama is about family. The dynamics, the relationships between parents and children, brother and sisters, and even in-laws.

It was a crazy ride, and the FL is such a strong woman, so compassionate and forgiving (a bit too much forgiving, if I may say ... I got really angry about how mistreated she was by her family).

The main couple was super cute and mature. After they fell in love, there was no going back, no stupid break up, just a pure and strong bond. So cool and refreshing to watch!

There are a lot of other side stories that are really good too, and they are responsible for the different perspectivesyou get in the drama. There is always a story that makes you sympathize with a character. They are about redemption, about being too proud, and even blind to the reality. All characters have such a nice growth throughout the drama, it's really nice and it did not get boring. The plot doesn't drag at all.

I definitely recommend it! (I don't remember commenting so much on the comment sections... hahahahah)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Don Quixote
35 people found this review helpful
by vichan
Feb 16, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Do you want to watch a drama with a REAL actor play ?

Do you want to watch a drama that makes you laugh at loud ?

Do you want to watch a drama in which even supporting characters are good ?

Do you want to watch a drama that treats about difficult issues whithout being cheesy ?

do you want to watch a drama that makes you laugh at loud by its excellent actor play an characters and without being cheesy ?


WATCH DON QUIXOTE !!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT !

I swear, i was laughing all drama long, and always subjugated by Matsuda Shota's playing. I was forgot it was just playing, and not reality.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Voice Season 4: Time of Judgment
35 people found this review helpful
Jul 31, 2021
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Thrilling performance as always, oof!

I am someone who watched all 3 seasons of VOICE starting the first week of June, back to back, just because I can finish this season in real time. I undoubtedly got traumatised at points due to this but VOICE from s1 to s4 has been a super-thrilling experience all along, I must say.

Talking about Voice 4, honestly, It didn't feel as good as the previous seasons to me even though I am not displeased or something. So I am rather not that much pleased considering how amazing plot the other seasons were. Anyways, It was a good watch which thrilled me and was also frustrated because of the cult stuff features (which mean the drama served that part well).

STORY & PLOT:
The story follows the 112 emergency call centre team (Golta team) headed by Kang Kwon Joo with superhuman hearing ability and her team who move to Vimo Island Police Station with the purpose of catching a probable serial cyber killer by utilising their vacation time. An LAPD cop Derek Cho visiting South Korea on an operation joins them as the dispatch team leader due to circumstances. Together, they try solving a case and catch the serial psychpath killer with Dissociative Identity Disorder and similar hearing capabilities as Kang Center.

Just like the previous seasons, Voice 4 has one major case going on, on the background that involves a serial killer and with that there are multiple minor cases that the Golden Time Team solve which somehow also helps them in profiling the major case. One difference is, s1-3 involved brainwashing cult stuffs that were instigated by the murderer which was due to bloodlust but in Voice4 there is an actual religious cult where people are brainwashed to protect each other despite own's fault.

Personally, I am not very pleased by the story development because I had had very high expectations and anticipations from the 4th season since they've evolved through 4 years since 2017 and I feel they should have offered us something extraordinary. But I am not unsatisfied either because it was still good and me thrilled even awe-strucken by many twists and revelations. It has some really good plot devices that are worth anticipating for.

The story had a good & interesting starting and the first episode is good. It has a steady development till the end of 9th but the 10th episode felt a lil blunt at some moments but then it picked up the acceleration and ended with some cliffhangers. The lead antagonist character could have been a lot better. He somehow felt a lil less powerless and did some stupid things as well.

CAST & ACTING:
Umm... Well, we have been seeing the major cast acting since the season 1 and they are as good as before. Lee Ha Na as Kang Kwon Joo/Kang Center has always impressed with her acting and dialogue delivery. I can always witness the kind of aura in her eyes. Song Seung Hun as Capt. Derek Cho did a good job and he's definitely experienced in the industry but the thing that I noticed is he never wore his cop jacket while everyone else did. I mean we know that you're from America and very skillfull in the field but still, HAHAHA.

Son Eun Seo as Officer Park Eun Soo did good too but I think her part is a bit reduced in this season than the previous ones. Kim Joong Ki (Park Joong Ki) and Song Boo Geon (Koo Kwang Soo) are absolute eye candies for me and I have been loving them since the 1st season. I was actually surprised to see Kang Seung Yoon bcs I didn't see the cast before starting. Also, Baek Sung Hyun (Shim Dae Shik from s1) 's comeback in s4, that too as a freaking hot adult, was a delight to witness and there was definitely a solid character development for him. I was also happy to see the familiar faces like Lee Yol harabeochi and Kil Hae Yeon ahjumma in the drama.

Now the antagonist. Don't think of it like a spoiler because the production itself is openly bragging about it plus it was revealed in the 4th episode only. Lee Kyu Hyung as a psychopath serial killer with DID, did a very good job as he was given, BUT! IDK whether I am the only one or not; I think his character as the lead antagonist could have much more to do. He as the antagonist didn't seem as powerful as the serial killers of the previous seasons. The blame is to be shot at Ma Ji Won jakka-nim citing it was not a very strongly written antagonist. Anyways, I have loved his acting skills and been a fan for a long time and undoubtedly loved this too.

DIRECTION & SCREENPLAY:
I think I have already mentioned above it more or less before so let me keep it short. Voice have had amazing direction and production work since the season 1 even though they kept changing for each season. The way they edit the deja vu things or past sequences and try to connect and interpreting through the screenplay is very nice. The sound editing is apt as well that tries to have the audience thrilled all along the show. Voice is undoubtedly Ma Ji Won jakka-nim's best creation which he has been successfully pulling off to make the year's best thriller. Voice 4 for me somehow isn't as good as the previous ones, still a good show to give it a go.

ENDING:
It has a good ending. I was afriad they'll end it with a plothole or something illogical and unreasonable will happen but it was just fine, so I appreciate that. However, it felt a bit rushed starting from the 2nd half of the 12th episode. They were clearly trying to wrap up some minor plot devices so that they wouldn't have to worry about them further but that was absurd. In fact, the main antagonist was caught sonner than expected which somehow made it a bit unintersting but I think they had many revelations to do so they did rush it. In the last 2 eps, they basically tried to solve the puzzles of this season plus gave clarifications about some things which were left on hang in the s3. But again, few unexpected things happen which left me questioned. In fact, the epilogue of s3 showing a sneak-peak of Bang Jae soo (Kwon Ryul) with some mysterious woman which was expected to be answered in s4 has been extended to s5 and that thing will be the main story of next season. I am not sure what the writer is thinking but I assume they'll go for another season for sure to explain whatever they left hanging. It's A HUGE WIDE OPEN ENDING which raises plenty of questions and what happened at the very end scene is enthralling and frustrating at the same time. Won't spoil.

Anyways, they could have make 2 more episodes and give it a smooth ending by not rushing it even when they had a plan for s5.

CONCLUSION:
Overally, this season of Voice is a good thriller and definitely worthy an one time watch so go ahead and finish it. Despite some drawbacks, it was actually enthralling to watch, though I ended up with mental disturbance at some points so I had to drop it for few days and then I went back watching.

I don't how others interpreted it, but when the news about this season came, from the title "VOICE 4: JUDGEMENT HOUR" , I thought this season is a good-bye to VOICE, one of the longest running Kdrama franchise. The phrase "Judgment Hour" is something like the final verdict/decision hence implying to the end of this series. But the way it ended with the introduction of some new plots now I think I was wrong and there will definitely a next season. Well, as long as the jakkanim offers his talent and we tend to enjoy it, then why not? HAHAHAHA Let's wait for the updates from the production team.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Tide of Love
35 people found this review helpful
by Jojo Hidden Gem Recommender1 Sassy Tomato1
Dec 17, 2025
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 7
Overall 2.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 1.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

Washed up and empty!

I hate to be this person, but what did I just watch and why did I continue watching ?!

I binged all 10 episodes and it simply doesn't work. When I read the synopsis I was expecting tension, push and pull between the two contrasting personalities and all the basics that usually come with a contract relationship trope. But I got NONE. I repeat none.

Calling this a story might be generous. The nature of their relationship demands and justify NC scenes but at the cost of the whole story? If I remove those from each episode, we will barely have a minute or two left. And honestly, I didn't find them appealing too.

Both the characters were less “written” and more “present". They spent most of their screen time staring into the void, as if hoping a personality or a line of decent dialogue might eventually appear. It didn’t.
I fail to understand this choice because if you are working with such a painfully short runtime, wasting it on hollow pauses and meaningless moments is just weak writing. Instead it could have used those minutes to build tension, give some depth to the characters, or just something more.

Coming to the chemistry between them, somehow it didn't work for me but it wasn't the worst part about the drama.
I have seen both the actors in Sweetheart service, and I didn't dislike it to this extent. I hope they choose and get better projects in future.

Again, I wasn't expecting this to be a masterpiece and I understand low budget restrictions so I won't nitpick on the visuals and sound effects but honestly, this isn't worth your time even though it's barely an hour.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Tide of Love
35 people found this review helpful
Dec 17, 2025
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 2.5
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

When you don't have a clue about BDSM, don't include it in your story at all...

What could have been a nice production was a failure... If you don't have a vision of the story, don't tell it, when you include specific sexual practices then learn about it and don't include laughable scenes. And because they had no vision the series does not have flow, it's choppy mess from the beginning to the end.

I would not deny that the couple does have chemistry especially in the end, but the story is half assed and ruins this series. We know that you can tell a good stories in short episodes but they couldn't. Even when they kiss well, in this case sex does not sell.

So, this is a huge disappointment and should be skipped.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Kingdom: Ashin of the North
35 people found this review helpful
Jul 23, 2021
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 9
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

True North

For fans of the critically-acclaimed Kingdom series, this is a much-awaited production that has been a long time coming. Officially designated as a Special Episode and “Sidequel”, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a feature length film that serves as the prequel to and the basis of the upcoming season 3 (as I understand it at the time of writing). For viewers who are interested in watching the entire series and have not seen the preceding seasons, I would advise starting off with those before embarking on this one. Both seasons 1 and 2 released only 12 episodes between them so it won’t take too long for viewers to get up to speed with the complete sequence of events.

The production team remains the same, with Baeksang-winning screenwriter Kim Eun Hee as the creator and showrunner, as well as the art direction and special effects crew. The only notable change from season 2 is that Kim Seong Hun, who helmed the first season, replaces Park In Je in the director’s seat. The franchise is developed by AStory while the production and distribution rights are retained by Netflix. Unlike the first 2 seasons which were filmed on location in Gyeonggi and North Gyeongsang Provinces, principal photography this time took place solely in Jeju Island.

In addition to the gorgeous panoramic vistas of the new filming locale, the overall tone is somewhat darker and more chilling, in comparison with the earlier seasons. Nonetheless we do get the exact high standards in production values and overall quality of the cinematography, set designs and, of course, the special effects encompassing the visuals and the zombie makeup, which is particularly praiseworthy. The action choreography and the stunts involving said zombies and humans alike deserve as much acknowledgment. The original score is composed primarily of dramatic orchestral music while the ominous BGM is generously applied throughout to great effect as well.

In case anyone’s forgotten, here’s a quick refresher. During the ending scene in the final episode of season 2, our protagonists Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji Hoon) and Seo Bi (Bae Doona) find themselves in a creepy, dilapidated and seemingly deserted village in the northern borders while investigating the origins of the saengsacho, the source of the scourge that plagues their kingdom. Cue the dramatic entrance of a new character right before the end credits begin rolling - the mysterious female figure in a dingy room filled with chained up and boxed up creatures, presumably zombies. Who is she? Is she a villain who created or started the outbreak? Why is she smiling? Well, now we finally get the answers to all our questions and more.

She’s none other than the titular Ashin of the North and this special episode chronicles her origin story. From her humble beginnings, the calamitous circumstances that ensued thus setting off an irreversible motion of fate-altering events that kicked off in the North before eventually engulfing the whole peninsula of the Joseon Kingdom. Epic, cataclysmic, action-packed, thrilling, evocative, and incredibly brilliant. Kim Eun Hee has done it again and expanded on the original concept within the space of 90 minutes to set up a new direction for season 3. You’d expect nothing less anyway from the screenwriter who brought us Signal.

The main cast this time around is headlined by the wonderfully experienced and award-winning Jun Ji Hyun as the eponymous character. With a screenplay that is fully devoted to her character, she carries this show with consummate ease as she projects an aura of darkness and conviction alongside her dynamic range to breathe life into the mysterious Ashin. During a recent interview with Kim Eun Hee, she stated that the role of Ashin was written specifically with Jun Ji Hyun in mind, because of how impressive she had been in the films The Thieves and The Berlin File, incidentally both of which I had watched some time back. Although she is most well known for the dramas The Legend of the Blue Sea and My Love from the Star which established her reputation as a romcom specialist, JJH is extremely versatile and adaptable to diversely multifaceted roles than people give her credit for.

In any case, I thought she utterly nailed her portrayal here that enabled viewers to be engaged in the story and invested in her character’s journey of evolution. Acting chops aside, her action sequences are quite realistically executed as well. She appears very fit and certainly looks the part of a fearsome bow-wielding warrior. I think she has lost even more weight as can be seen in her recent photo calls promoting this show. Meanwhile the talented and prolific child actress Kim Shi Ah portrays the young Ashin while Park Byung Eun returns as Min Chi Rok of the Royal Commandery.

No amount of words will do justice to the spectacle that is Kingdom: Ashin of the North, because seeing is absolutely believing and there is much to be observed in this production indeed. The only downside for me was that it was too short - I wanted...no, needed more! 16 months was definitely worth the wait, especially now that we know for a fact there’s more to look forward to in the horizon. I only hope the wait won’t be as long.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
En of Love: This Is Love Story
35 people found this review helpful
by kale
Jun 20, 2020
3 of 3 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
I am really sad at all the hate this drama is getting, I don't understand it. I absolutely loved this drama!

You have to take it with the context, there are only 3 episodes so the story does not go into great detail, but with the time that they had I thought they nailed it! What made this drama as great as it is was the casting, Benz and Prom's chemistry between their characters had me blushing the entire time I was watching. I mean look at Praram's smile how can you not just melt.

I hope they either give Benz and Prom another series together or possibly redo this story but a full series so it can go more in depth into the storyline!

Benz's acting really made this drama to be honest, he is a very talented actor and I constantly found myself forgetting that he was both Pralak and Praram and that he does not actually have a twin. I will definitely be rewatching this drama as I cannot get enough of these characters, my favourite of the En of Love's so far probably!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
'Cause You're My Boy
35 people found this review helpful
Jan 5, 2019
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I was contemplating whether or not to watch this series as I had some free time and I love binging series. There were a lot of conflicting reviews but I went in anyways. If you're reading a bad review, take it with a grain of salt. This isn't necessarily an amazing BL or one full of drama and action or gimmicks like other BLs. It's a lot more subdued, kind of gave me My Dream the series vibes. It's a quiet BL and none of the characters feel fake. It's all real, except a few plot points that do feel weird like Mork's illness. I think the main conflict of having someone opposed to their relationship is a little easier to understand since they are younger than a lot of other BL characters. College students or ones already in their workforce make it hard to see them as afraid of their parents. I have to say I wasn't invested as much in Mork and Tee as I was with Morn and Gord. That was a surprising couple that honestly made me smile the whole time even if it never went too far. I was originally going to give this a 7 because that's what I gave Sotus which was good but I didn't particularly like Kongpop and Arthit as a couple. With this I thought the show lacked a bit but Mork and Tee were well performed and likeable so I think this deserves an 8. Give it a try.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Moneyboys
35 people found this review helpful
by Blue
Feb 16, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

"Suffering is the human condition" in art form.

"Moneyboys" is a raw, visually stunning drama that exhibits the gritty and provocative lifestyle of young, gay escorts. While there are some steamy moments, the story focuses less on the "customer service" aspect and more on what motivates these characters despite the risks involved. With an impoverished upbringing and the weight of his family on his shoulders, prostitution is a means of survival for protagonist, Fei.

What we get as viewers is a study on this character. We're taken through a series of experiences and events that make up Fei's life. We witness how the stigma of both his sexuality and profession effects his family life and the mental toll it takes on him. Through Fei's various interactions with other characters, a clear theme rings throughout the film: the sacrifice of one's happiness for the sake of others. Lovers sacrifice themselves for the ones they love, young adults sacrifice themselves to meet family expectations, LGBTQ+ sacrifice themselves to fit the molds of society. When does the cycle of suffering end?
The story finds its anomaly in Fei's childhood friend, Long. Unlike the often numb and apathetic Fei, Long is brimming with life. He sees the perks of being a money boy as a way to live happily for himself and not for the sake of others.

Before I had a grasp on the film's narrative, I was already in awe of its cinematography and editing. The moment I clicked play, I got the feeling I was in for an artistic experience. Atmospheric lighting and color grading sets the dark and solemn tone for the film. Neon colors pop through the screen. There are some close-ups and shaky camera shots that make for intense moments, but you'll mostly see the use of still-camera wide shots. Frame by frame, it appears as though characters are moving through a sequence of modern life art pieces. It doesn't linger on one shot for too long though, especially in the beginning. Scenes are often fleeting, dialogues seem to end just shy of a complete conversation. A stylistic choice that gives the film obscurity and keeps it from dragging, but disappoints story-wise. At times, I was left wishing I knew more about what these characters were thinking and experiencing.

Aside from maybe one actress with a bit part role, all actors were convincing. Lead actor, Kai Ko, did well portraying the emotionally detached Fei. He surfaces the character's vulnerable side in ways that feel both realistic and relatable. The charm and charisma of Bai Yu Fan's Long is definitely one of the film's highlights. There aren't many dramatic acting moments so if you're worried about it being a tearjerker, you're in luck. "Moneyboys" is pulsing with emotion but it isn't necessarily a sad movie, just realistic. It's a bit longer than the average 90 minutes, but very much worth the watch.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Mr. Sunshine
35 people found this review helpful
Oct 21, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

This series cinematography and visuals was what got me hooked. It felt like I was watching a high budget Hollywood production, each episode felt like a movie in itself. Casting was on-point maybe except for Ae-sin who I think have very soft features to be a gun slinging sniper. At times she looks like a teenager who seems out of place in that chaotic Joseon era. The main characters deep and tragic history and development was superb. However, the main fault for me was that having the 3 male leads with such powerful characters go after Ae-sin.
I mean, I get their deep history with her but I feel like a more interesting storylines could have been explored if the plot did not stick to this "love quadrangle" until the very end.
Ae-sin's passiveness and poker face acting just didnt do it for me. There was Hina who was a unique lovable character but Dong-Mae failed to even realize her love for him because he just had to get Ae-sin. I cried so hard when Hina died in Dong-Mae's back while confessing her feelings to him. They were not even given a single day to spend together after she waited for him for 3 years 😭.
The finale made up of the last 2 episodes were just dang good! I mean I have never been satisfied with a kdrama ending like this for a loonggg time. As expected in a war death came and a piece of my heart died with each characters passing. Each death may seem rushed at the end but it was artistic and meaningful and heart wrenching to the core. Ae-sin as the last man standing was as it should be. All in all this is a series definitely worth watching! ❤

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Fireworks of My Heart
35 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2023
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 5.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Should have dropped

Review @ ep20.
So this was on my watchlist because I like YangYang but dang.
There were so many things wrong with this drama and IMO the only good thing about this drama is the visually appealing casts and their camaraderie with each other and also some of the emotionally charged rescue scenes.
So far this drama doesn’t really care about details/continuity and also getting proper procedures right. I am by no means a medical professional or a firefighter but even I can tell a lot of things that has happened so far didn't seem right and is so unbelievable and unrealistic but I guess the emotional tug of it is canceling out the lack of realism for a lot of people.
Then let’s get to the main leads, I love YangYang but the constant stoic frowny face was not giving at all. Sometimes his expressions were over the top and not adequate for the corresponding scene.
That face worked in Who Rules The World because he was supposed to be shrouded in mystery as Prince Feng Lanxi with the alter ego of Hei-Fengxi, it didn’t work that well in You Are My Glory but the script/plot in that one was better and also the chemistry/maturity of the characters covered up for it. I guess YangYang equates serious/intense with Stoic/frowny face.
But in this one I can barely feel any chemistry between the leads (which is surprising considering the rumor that they are dating). We are being told that they have this epic love that has made both of them stay single and maybe even celibate for 10years but I just can’t see it in the present time, we can’t see why they like each other because they end up fighting after almost every conversation and don’t seem to have the same life ideals and values. Even the flashbacks we’ve been shown so far doesn't really show me this epic love story, it was cute and all for a high school romance but nothing so life altering in the way it’s being presented in the present time. So honestly it doesn’t really make you care about the lead’s getting together. How many high school romance make it all the way?
The FL is basically suffering from Stockholm syndrome with her family and I seriously get the trauma she is dealing with but some of her character portrayal doesn’t make any sense. She’s very weak/meek towards her mom which is very understandable according to the storyline so far. But I don’t get why she is sassy/bold with the ML one minute but whenever they get into the rinse/repeat rollercoaster scene that has been their interactions for the last 20eps where they have the “we can’t be together because I don’t have the courage to fight for you but I will be stalking you and asking you why you aren’t seeking me out all the time & fighting for me even though I am the one that can’t commit to the relationship because of my family” conversation and she’s uttering this words in the most lowest voice possible with downcast eyes and pathetic/demur demeanor.
I honestly tolerated the pathetic/weak/timid/demur characterization of the FL because of the upbringing she had but my tolerance level went to ZERO after the supermarket scene in ep20. The female lead had always not only stood up to her creepy delusional brother prior to that scene but also even lashed out at him but all of a sudden we are supposed to accept her acting terrified/petrified of him in the supermarket all because of a freaking bag of chips, puhhhhh-lease. That scene made zero sense and was done for no other reason than the ML and the FL’s brother to have a testosterone filled pissing contest and for the ML to be the hero and save the day by rescuing the FL and honestly it was just beyond ridiculous.
I should have dropped this drama but I will complete it with the help of the fast forward ⏩ button and except you really like any or both of the leads or you just want to watch a fire fighting show where you don’t really care about accuracy and correct details/procedures then go ahead and watch this otherwise I strongly advise you to not bother with this.

Updated review after completion.
Even with the fast forward ⏩ this was a struggle to finish. It didn’t get worse by any stretch of the imagination and although there were lots of cute scenes and heartbreaking scenes that tugged at the heart, for me it didn’t get any better either.
Typical CDrama kumbaya ending. It’s so weird that a wedding was talked about so much in lots of episodes but there was now no wedding at the end of the drama, I don’t really understand the directional decision on that but honestly I don’t even care because I was just happy to finally finish the drama and put it in the forgotten pile.
The drama just had lots of doom and gloom and the romance while cute at times was very muted for an adult based drama so it didn’t even balance out all the heaviness of the doom and gloom.
I definitely won’t ever be rewatching this. Like I said earlier except you are a HUGE fan of either of the leads or want to watch a highly questionable “right procedural” fire fighting and error filled medical show, by all means have at it, if not, do yourself a favor and don’t bother with this.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?