Reviews

Discussing tone in the context of a review is tricky. A show’s atmosphere is something so ephemeral it’s hard to even define, much less evaluate. That being said, The Return of Iljimae is most remarkable for its evocation of mood. A fantasia in a minor key, it weaves a bittersweet, melancholy spell, accented not so much by its characters’ tragedies as by their loneliness.

Intentionally structured like a storybook (complete with an initially over-intrusive narrator), the show jettisons many of k-drama’s structural clichés as it follows the growth of its protagonist from innocent young man to wiser hero. Jung Il Woo gives a lovely (in more ways than one) restrained performance full of moments of quiet sweetness and pathos. Jung Hye Young, as his mother, is also exceptional, radiating warmth and longing. There are plenty of fight scenes and large helpings of occasionally distracting slapstick comedy, but the show never loses its contemplative feel. The characters find fleeting moments of connection in sex, friendship, compassion, and sacrifice but the world’s injustices are always there, calling them away from comfort. The show suggests that heroism is not a natural gift, but something learned and struggled for and easily lost if the passion for justice tips over into hatred. There are occasional missteps, including a bizarre first episode, but once the show finds its rhythm, it becomes a hero’s journey very much worth the taking.

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Such a great feel good movie. Really light fun story, with a great cast, and set in the beautiful city of Busan. It has just enough drama to make your heart squeeze, and the characters and the relationships are developed at a great pace. The one night stand is a common rom-com theme, but I think what sets these movies apart from one another is the way they make that brief encounter meaningful. I think the movie was successful in adding depth in a way that makes the development in the story, particularly the characters' relationship, believable.

Definitely worth your time!

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Honestly, this might be one of the best series by GMMTV, and definitely my favourite. The things that I really love about this series is definitely the balance between the comical scenes and the serious ones. They did an excellent job with the witty and hilarious comments added on the actors’ lines. The serious scenes are totally gonna impress you with Niti (J’Doc) ‘s words of advice. This series will give you a rollercoaster of emotions, in which you will laugh out loud along with the casts, get pissed, smile like an idiot, and cry. I was really reluctant to watch the last episode as I didn’t want the series to end, but I still did and as a result I cried a lot because I was overwhelmed with all the feelings. I’ve never loved a series this much before. Definitely recommended!

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The story is very, very unique and interesting. It ties together at the end so perfectly that it can't be put in words(Ok, well it can, but I don't want to!) Takeshi Kaneshiro and the rest of the cast performed brilliantly. The music was alright, nothing spectacular, but it did serve its purpose well. As for rewatch value, i'm not one to rewatch movies and dramas, and I wouldn't really rewatch this one either, unless it's been several years since I first watched it. Overall though, this is one of my favorite movies and I really believe that more people should watch it. So if you haven't seen it yet, go watch it now &_&

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I am not going to lie, I didn't expect what I got

I am late to the BL world, so I started the HIStory series after Make our days count and Trapped were out. I have watched tons of BL in the past few months but in a general note, the HIStory series have been the best of the best.

Coming precisely to right or wrong, it was one of the least favorite for me in terms of excitement when I saw the trailer because the looked basic but I gave it try and I am here to say, that I was extremely wrong. Right or wrong may be one of the best BLs I have seen out there and I will talk about it in many phases

1. Bullying of the LGBT community and shaming: Several Bls either make light or blatantly ignore the struggles of the LGBT community, for example in together with me, the showed family homophobia but it was lacking for me. Here we saw Fei cry and being rejected publicly, we saw him go through the lows for being bullied and this truly is the reflection of LGBT youth around the world, not what a lot of bls like SOTUS (I love SOTUS) show of everyone being loving and at worst being scared of teasing. this is further portrayed excellently by Fei being scared of going public with the relationship, all the past hurt. For that, I gave them a 10

2. Stereotypes around gay couples, kids, and gay marriage: This is a combination of 3 points. so, I think maybe asides father, Right or Wrong is one of the most realistic about stereotypes of the gay community, I mean Thai BLs sometimes straight-up disgust me with how they portray gay characters that are not the main couple or side couple, they portrayal of effeminate, screaming guys all the time. now I don't mind those types of gays, but Thai bls tend to borderline fetishization of gay men and trying to make them still attainable to the women audience, Right or Wrong did not do that. right or wrong even took it a step further by demolishing stereotypes about gay couples impacting kids, when you you and shi talked about marrying Fei, they showed that simple conservation ends it all and that kids wouldn't be bullied or hated, albeit sometimes the opposite could be a reality, but I am happy that they portrayed a happy gay couple, that got married, have a kid and live a happy life.

Honestly, this is definitely top 5 bl for me out of the 30 I have watched

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What you need to know

This has a very good storyline, but a lot of people can’t get past the fact that it also was sponsoring products. They incorporated it in a fun way that not only helped progress the drama but to sponsor the products used to help fund the drama. If you don’t pay attention during the show, you will get lost and not understand what they mean so make sure that you do pay attention the entire time. There were a lot of comedic lines and the drama that made my stomach hurt from laughing so hard especially when the bodyguard and the counterpart from the other world met that scene, made me cry laughing. If you understand the story plot you will love this drama very much and want to watch it over again I know I did.

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Well-written police procedural

This script has everything - good humour, interesting exploration of humanity and justice, excellent character development, solid chemistry between characters, and a mesmerising villain to top it off.

The earlier cases may come off as small and insignificant. Unlike most police procedurals, only a handful of cases revolve around a murder - some are probably just misdemeanours. What's interesting in these earlier episodes is that there are clues, characters and concepts dropped in which feature in a more significant way later on. I think that's the appeal about this whole series, because the fact that things that occurred in an earlier episode have a bearing later on makes these characters' lives feel real and present.

There's a lot I can say about the story, from the very nuanced depictions of not just the main characters but also of their female boss, who's probably one of the most convincing and well-rounded female police bosses written in Japanese TV. It's also full of ideas that's worth further exploring on a rewatch, like the idea of smaller crimes not being insignificant, the lack of (and urgent need for) an appropriate witness protection program, the prejudice against migrant workers (which is applicable to most developed countries), the dangers of internet vigilantism (and how apt it was to get Suda Masaki to do this role after "Class 3A"), or how fragile and vulnerable justice is, even for people who society expects to uphold justice.

Suda Masaki is a scene stealer, and his portrayal of the insolent and enigmatic Kuzumi makes him one of the best villains to come out of this genre (I don't think that's a spoiler since in his first appearance he shows an underage kid a drug). It will be such a shame not to have a second season of this.

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Thoughtful tale of self discovery

37 seconds centers around the life of Yuma, who has cerebral palsy. The story is very well written and touches many aspects of what it means to have a disability. Even though some happenings might seem over the top, the story still feels real and for the whole duration you're feeling with the main character. All the characters over different reactions to her disabilities and the director manages to showcase a positive movie that doesn't highlight the negativity of the disability and instead shows Yuma's journey to self discovery and independence.
The movie has its funny moments and touching ones as well. While the theme of erotic mangas might seem funny and weird, it's usage as a starting point for Yuma is well done.
The acting is very well and considering it is the first work of the lead actress, thanks to the script and production process, her character feels natural. The story was adjusted to the actress who has cerebral palsy in real life and contributed to the narrative of the movie by providing insides to her own experience.
I truly enjoyed the movie and can totally understand, why it won prices and the applause of the audience when it was first shown in a film festival.

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The story is refreshing somehow. It starts with Sato Yui depressed over the death of her dog chocolate. At the end president amagi helps her get over chocolate's death. This alone makes the series a good wrap.

It has its own witty moments and displays a different kind of setting, entertaining nonetheless.

Although there is borderline stalking in the series, it somehow works out with the comedy, which is capable of damaging the whole lighthearted part.

Music isn't that great or memorable at all except for the tacky opening song I'm slave for you by reiji. Background music however effectively blends with the scene and brings out the acting of actors on another level.

Overall there is no drag in the story. I find other characters in the story equally lovable if not more. Especially Natori san, he displays cool antics and really deserves the title of president's secretry.

I'm probably overrating it because I laughed a lot wathcing it. It's a hit or miss really depending on what kind of mood are you in, but in general if you can ignore the borderline criminal activities, it's worth a try.

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Perfectly Complementary Character Growth in a Cozy Backdrop

Japan just has a way with these food dramas that few other productions can match. It just feels so down-to-earth, real, and cozy. It puts the small details into focus like nothing else can, and somehow manages to soften any societal critique messages and story stressors.

I wouldn't say this is a GL drama, but rather a lesbian adult coming-of-age drama. There isn't that same focus on the *need* to enter into a romantic relationship. Instead, we get to navigate the slowly shifting dynamic between these two women who find their perfectly complementary half. We get to see how the small comments and practices (what has often been coined as "micro-aggressions"), seemingly insignificant to the masses, can have a longstanding impact to others. They can become a source of insecurity, dissonance, and wariness. Things that make you feel "other." But this drama does it in such a way that it feels almost conversational, in such a way that we actually see every day and with responding messages that, while feeling unnatural at times, weren't drawn out and hung up for continuous reference).

I loved seeing the progression of these characters through the work. From shy, uncertain, and insecure, to understanding, to irreplaceable. From a dynamic where one ate and the other happily watched, to a dynamic where they both ate meals together, to a dynamic where their relationship was no longer limited to meals. I really hope that we get a season 2, and I don't say that about many dramas.

And the food looked delicious. I am so glad that the producers included recipes on the drama's website for the key dishes - because I'm definitely going to be trying some of these.

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This Is My Roman Empire

This drama is Pizza, and Pizza is life. It’s a warm blanket on a winter night, wine and popcorn on a Sunday evening and fluffy clouds candies all wrapped in one. It’s one of the best dramas that came out this year, heck it's one of the best bl that came out of the industry. That being said, X and Namping traumatised me so much, I almost had a heart attack half way though the finale.

Listen, when the first episode started I went: what in the Wangxian, ao3 tags #soulmates #hurtnocomfort fanfic is this??? And why is it bloody awesome!?! I love it, please give me more! This drama is like when you enter a random restaurant and order the first thing you can pronounce but when it comes it's like a five-course meal, tastes like happiness with a side of chocolate fountain and have a live performance by Adele, all for the price of €6.99.

What I am trying to say is that, this drama is really great. It's a gem, a unicon. And you should be watching it like yesterday. I love the premise so much. I might just be that one person and try to sneak it into every conversation I have from now on.

Random waiter: Are you ready to order? I recommend the chicken and peas.
Me: So Namping left, right? And X waited and fixed the car but then... no, you don't know them. But then... and the box had photos and his videos. He filmed a farewell... *starts crying*
Random person at the next table: See Sharon, I told you we should stay home and ordered pizza, outside people are crazy.
Me: *still sobbing*: I'm not crazy, my mom had me tested. Nampingggggg, why? why you do this to meee! waeeeeeee.
Random person at the next table: I hate you Sharon.

No but, the funny thing is, I went into this series without even reading the summary. I had no idea what the hell it was about, other than I added it from one of those lists of upcoming bls on a random Tuesday. But yeah, I clicked on the first episode and fell in love with the leads and the concept so much, I legit stalked the actors socials after the 4th episodes just to make sure Top and Mick are okay, cuz that episode broke me. Then the audacity of those two dancing and smiling on tiktok while my heart was broken. They lucky I couldn't reach into the phone screen and slap them with a rubber chicken for making us cry buckets.

Anyway, here is my review of every story arc and my ratings.

DOL & SUN: (ep1) -- 8.5/10
This episode with people seeing colour for the first time when they meet their soulmates in the rain, reminded me sooo much of a Wangxian soulmates fanfic I read once on ao3. Sidenote: Anyone else keep rewatching untamed and reading the novel? Literally, why can't I move on from Wangxian? It's been years. Anyway, the carrot washing...wait, wrong episode. I meant colours. So, this episode was straight out of a fanfic, and I loved it.

At first I was like, Dol, stop playing hard to get, look at how adorable Sun looks in that helmet. And then that loser ex-boyfriend showed up, and I felt so sad for Sun, who has been hurt and lied to, and still had to endure physical abuse from that mouth breather. So when Dol showed up, I clapped. The plot of this one was straight forward, Dol had problem opening up cuz of his childhood and Sun was naive believing in soulmates. Thankfully, they figured it out in the end.

My fav part with Dol and Sun was when Sun showed up at his work to celebrate Dol's birthday when everyone seemed to have forgotten. I knew then and there they were gonna end up together. It was like that part in a fanfic when the writer leaves a note like... sorry, my cat is in therapy so no updates this week, but next week is gonna be #fluffy #weiwuxiangetsahappyending.

Anyway, as the opening to the series, it did a good job keeping my attention. They had that one episode to tell a story that felt complete and they did it so well. Mick and Top were great leads, and they made me fell in love with the characters, and the drama immediately.

PRIN & FRIST: (ep2) -- 9/10
Imagine my surprise when this episode started and they seemed to have switch things up, and now Prin is rich, the boss, looks like a prince from one of those disney movies, and First is a clumsy adorable secretary. I was like... wow, why you two such good actors, making me believe this is a completely different drama. No, but someone give Mick and Top their flowers!

Prin and First story was so simply. It was as easy as breathing, At first I was sad First was hiding the deal with the grandma, and thought it was gonna create a nonsense misunderstanding that would make them fell apart, but then Prin was so far gone, he didn't even care when he found out. I also love how the grandma wanted Prin to find someone and legit didn't care who it was. I was so happy it was only 1 episode, cuz imagine the nonsense episode 11 we'd have gotten, making us cry.

First was so cute in this one, with his pen and notebook being all adorable and quietly quitting cause he couldn't find anyone for Prin, and the whole time, I'm like... it's you. Come on brother, take a hint! The ending of course was so cute and fluffy and I was like... awww this drama is going to be all cute and lovey dovey for 8 episodes. Good, I need some fluffy Sunday dramas. BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. I WAS SOOO WRONG.

X & NAMPING: (ep3-4) -- 9.5/10 -- disclaimer (Pain level 100000000^2)
This arc sucks. It should be burn with fire. Matter of fact, throw the whole thing into the pits of hell. Dafug you mean he didn't show up the next year right when X finally brave up and got to know him?? TEARRRRSSSSSSS. And to think X wasted all those years not talking to Namping, and instead pretending to visit a random arse ghost he didn't even know. His ancestors must be proud. If only he'd had the courage to make a move faster. If only.

It's my fault, already in episode 3, I was like: hmmm is he sick? why is he dropping stuff? But then X lifted him from the shattered glass like he was the most precious element in the world, and I immediately went, 'naaah, he's fine. Look at them, adorable.' So yeah, should have seen it coming, but I was too busy going 'awwww' like an idiot.

Personally, I don't really remember the side couple in this one, did they end up together? I started sniffing when Namping broke down crying when they were about to do the devil's tango. Then, my eyes watered when X woke up and Namping was gone. And when Namping started crying without picking up X's calls, I went... no, bish no, don't do this to me. THEN... THEN... he didn't even get to see that the car was fixed. X breaking down was a process, from his realisation to full on sobbing was.... Me sitting in front of my TV on a Sunday evening sobbing was not in my plans, but that Sunday ended with me going to bed sad. I was sad about this until like the next week when I saw a behind the scene and Namping(Top) was there during that sobbing scene and went to comfort X(Mick).

Okay, but... NAMPING is the most graceful, angelic, cloud, fluffy, beautiful character ever! No, really how did Top managed to look so cloudy with a chance of angel like that? Like, even when he was sitting on that luggage he looked like an angel or some heavenly deity that shouldn't even be disturbed. It felt like it was even a sin to just touch him, cuz he came off so pure. Namping is the definition of clouds and desserts. He deserved all the princess treatment he got and more. And when they were in the river, literally those two have great chemistry, and their combined beauty seemed almost unreal.

Then of course there was X in those mechanic overalls, looking like whoever invented the word 'damn!' saw his picture at a museum one time. Like, he went from being soo clumsily cute in the last arc as First, then suddenly he was walking around like a tasty offering making those ghost brush. I'm still in awe at how amazing those two are able to switch roles so seamlessly.

I think this arc, although it hurt like a motherfather was my fav, cuz it forced me to feel, and it stayed with me for a while when it was completed. It's what a good story should do. And as always Mick and Top were amazing in their roles.

SIAN & BLUE: (ep5-6) 9/10
Now, how in the world did Namping go from being an angelic person to being a little gremlin? No, he was such a mood. When he kept sending Blue off to look for him, then he'd reopen the door looking like a beef cake, distracting the poor guy, I couldn't stop laughing. He was a little sh!t and I loved him so much.

This time it was Blue who was the cute, adorable one, painting and cooking, and just being the best brother ever to Green, while also thirsting after Sian and his hair and inability to put on a shirt. That fixing the pipe scene where he was just outside the window having an impromptu shower, while Blue tried to remember how to breathe was pure gold.

This was also a relax episode, even though there was some depth with how Sian seemed to have lost his passion with the lost of his ex, and Blue having wronged a friend. My fav part is how Blue, Sian and Green formed their own little family. And when he sang the song (Every Tears) he wrote and all their past lives was playing. TEARS. I'm gonna miss their arc so much.

Also, why the hell he always have some ex-boyfriend? Like, that dude just can't wait until his soulmate finds him? Not gonna lie, up until now, I have no idea what happened to that boy Sian wanted to marry, did he go out and never come back, or did he die? Felt like he went out to get eggs one morning and then dipped. Oh well, Blue got to see that water scene out the window, so a win is a win. Oh and, washing my carrots is gonna be interesting from now onwards.

INN & PUN: (ep2, 4, 6-8) 9/10
When these two first showed up in ep2, I was like: whomst? where are we? then the second time, I was like: ooh, so they are actors, and the arcs we are seeing are their series as partners, so no soulmates? Alright, cool cool, what a twist, but I get it, I love it, I'm here for it. When Inn asked Pun to be his boyfriend after Namping and X destroyed us, I was very happy, and went... okay, we good, no matter how the stories they are acting in hurts me, I know they are together behind the scenes and that's all that matters.

So tell me, why right after Sian and Blue got their happy ending, those two out there talking about they've been on and off and now they've definitely broken up cuz they can't change for each other? Bish then don't change? I swear I was prepared to sue for emotional damages if they'd broken my heart like X and Namping, After episode 3-4, I couldn't do the weeping alone in my house thing anymore. It was starting to feel sad and frankly, a little bit pathetic.

These two are my parents. I thought no matter what happens in the project they act in, they would be together forever behind the scenes, so then I won't be sad, so the dafug you mean you've broken up?? No, but when I saw Inn so happy with his ring, ready to propose, then Pun just broke up with him... I teared a bit. Cuz suddenly, Inn was back to being X, crying for Namping in that damn car. And the years later tag did not help at all, cuz I was like... oh, no, they about to break my heart again. I don vex when I saw the Otto Inn best couple thing... like y'all better be playing out here or something, cuz...

But thank the eff, everything ended on a happy note. I was sad Pun let them break up, saying it was was for the best, but then the flashback happened, and I understood. He gave them a chance to become the best version of themselves, so they could come back together and grow stronger. That proposal was the best ever. Like one random morning over breakfast, Inn just saw Pun as the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and then, he went down on his kneels and Pun said yes. Ahhhh tears.

The story of these two was such a rollercoaster. They were on and off, then off for years even though they loved each other. That workshop scene was amazing, really showed what good actors Mick and Top are. They said so much with just repeating the same words. Talented indeed.

It was interesting, knowing that while playing Sian and Blue, two people so lovey dovey, all that ish was going on backstage with the actors. Also, Pun, darling, that's not a face for being behind the scenes. You need to be center stage in front of the cameras. Then Pun was talking about not wanting to see Inn's work, cuz he'd be jealous of his co-stars, girl, who's fault was that, huh Mr. Cool Director? But all ended well, so I can't even complain. I loved Inn and Pun as much as I loved the other characters, perhaps even more, cuz there are OG.

OVERALL:
Yes, everything wasn't flawless, because they had limited time, some things were not expanded on, or were vague, or felt rushed. But, we had enough to make every arc feel complete and keep our interest. The production team on this did a really good job, and I'm sad we get only 8 episodes. It's not enough, this deserves like 5 seasons and a reunion season in 2030. Usually, I rant and nitpick, but I simply enjoyed this drama way too much, so imma just let all that slide. The stories we got were great, the characters great, and the chemistry was chemistrying. Mick and Top were really versatile and such greats actors. They made each new character their own, and completely made me immersed in them, without even comparing the previous characters. Where do they live? Imma use my last couple of dollars to send them flowers, and an angry note for making me cry in episode 4.

One thing I also liked was that, normally there's a clear top and bottom, but it took me until episode 3 to realise they are switching in this, and it was amazing, cuz it gave the actors room to be versatile and portray different characters with different set of emotions and actions

I can't wait to see more work from Mick and Top. I pledge to watch whatever they put out, even if it's them watching grass grow. I HIGHLY recommend this drama to all bl and drama lovers. It's a unicon, a true gem, and you need to watch it like yesterday. This is now my most favourite drama this year, and perhaps all time fav bl drama. GO WATCH IT, trust me.

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This is my first review, and its probably going to be long because i literally just finished this show and i am PISSED.

I've been on a revenge, slap/kiss binge for a while now, i believe i've become knowledgeable of the genre and i say that this is literally THE WORST. I have tolerated a lot of things from revenge plots, but the actions taken in this drama weren't convincing enough to make me suspend my disbelief.

First, the romance:
The writers and directors really tried to convince me that for the first 3 episodes, the male lead was more than some super creepy opportunist. He popped up everywhere, coated his voice, got all up in her space, and just stared and creeped her out. She was so creeped out by it, she literally avoided him. It creeped ME out, i literally had to power through it and make myself watch the episodes.

And when the supposed romance happened, it literally happened so randomly. Lets not talk about the fact that they have no chemistry. Lets not talk about the fact that he literally rapes her and attempts to rape her every chance he gets when he's angry. Lets not even mention the fact that he literally insults her in the worst ways, abuses her to the point where she had to go to the hospital and get stitches—oh no, those were just so insignificant incidents we're supposed to forget about because even if he did those things, he loved her all along.

They didnt even dedicate screentime to developing the romance. It was family members saying "oh he loves you" while he pushed her around and raped her. They didnt even show when the hate turned into love so how on earth am i supposed to buy it?? Its like they forgot it throw the romance in. How??? The episodes were nearky 2hrs long???

The only authentic romance was between the side characters. All the main couple had were trash interactions-they barely knew each other outside of their negative qualities.

Second, the characters:
The ONLY characters i liked were the side characters. Frankly, the female lead had no personality and the male lead was a coward. How is it that the side characters have more development in their pinky toes than the main characters do in their personalities??? Not only that but the female lead LITERALLY LET HIM RAPE HER, didnt report it, continued to get upset and be all "why are you being so mean to me?" Instead of CALLING THE POLICE? They were so set on making her out ti be the responsible sister, the level headed on who was innocent and rational in the beginning but after the first 3 episodes, all she does is cry and take the abuse silently like she deserves it.

The male lead, his DELUSIONAL ABUSIVE ASS, had me upset for the entire series. Everytime she so much as looked at a guy, his mind ran rampant. It was basically "you're a whore, no one man will ever be enough for you, you stupid bitch" for about 12/15 episodes, EVERY TEN MINUTES.

Third, the ending:
What the hell? They really want me to believe that 14 episodes of torture is resolved with some childish fake engagement? I wanted her to LEAVE. I wanted her to be gone, and he can search for her and ACTUALLY CONVINCE HER and beg for her forgiveness and come back. But no- she forgives him immediately. It had me wondering why on earth i stuck around.

ALL IN ALL, this was a hot mess, a trainwreck, a totally insane show that i be watching again. And above all else, on top of its sheer stupidity, unconvincing acting, and trash characters, it still manages to be BORING. How??? HOW???

The writing is TRASH. The only saving grace was the side characters.

In the end, this is more of a rant than a review, but if you're down for some mindnumbing bullshit, this is for you. If not, head elsewhere. If you really like the premise of the plot, try Kleun Cheewit—it does it way better, without the rape and outright abuse. They do a much better job of developing the characters and showing that the hate actually gradually turned into love.

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