Reviews

I'm obsessed!!!

I really love OffGun's chemistry and was excited to see their new project together. I was pleasantly surprised when I was coming back every week to watch it for the excitement of the story and not just for their chemistry (which was still absolutely amazing btw defo the cherry on top). The second couple DanYok, which I haven't seen these actors together before (don't know if they were in another drama together) their chemistry was off the roof. I really loved how their story was real, mistakes were made, feelings were hurt but isn't that with all relationships? I loved their development.
Anyways onto SeanWhite (OffGun). The story of White going undercover in his identical twins life, Black to discover who put him in a coma really kept me on my toes. To me it was quite obvious who beat Black up but it was still portrayed in a really good way. This was definitely a slow burn/ enemies to lovers (I LOVE THAT) as Sean and Black do not get along, so White acting as Black made both of them butt heads at the start but alas they get their happy ending.
This covered some really heavy topics as well, not just your fluff action you get in other BL's, this portrayed fighting for rights of those who get discriminated against and holding those high in power accountable for breaking the rules. Sean, Gram, Yok, Tod and Black (well White) are apart of a 'rebel' group which try to expose these people by doing various stunts to gain social awareness and to put a stop to their illegal businesses. All the people in the group have good story for why they are doing this so it really brings the watcher more joy when they succeed in their little adventures.
Overall, amazing show, really eye-opening and the romance was absolutely amazing, not too much where is dilutes the action of the story but enough to be screaming internally when watching the cute moments (and trust me there is a lot)

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Good Action, Yearning Romance, Amazing Acting

I actually didn't expect much from this movie, no hype about it or anything like that, yet it turned out to be one of my favorite watches of 2026 so far.
The story itself isn't what keeps you engaged, but rather the raw action scenes and the characters who were extremely interesting (actors are amazing omg). The Politics and other topics are not so hard to follow, but it felt like the movie was lacking more advanced plot in some areas.
Cinematography was great, I loved the whole ambience of it.
The glimpse of romance and yearning was the best part in my opinion, and it's been a while since I've watched this type of love on screen.

NOTE!!!!!! Humint is very brutal and heavy watch (I love action, thriller and crime kdramas and movies, though this one was rough, violence targeted mainly towards women)
Overall, 9/10 or even 9.5/10 for HUMINTTTT MUST WATCH

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I really can't see why no one has written a review of this movie!
I'm not very good with reviews but I thought I had to write one anyway 'cause this is the best movie I have ever seen!

Watched this movie 'cause it is directed by Kim Jewoon and I have always liked his movies.

The story might not be original, but who get's tired of revenge stories?
Really, who does?
For you who likes great action scenes, amazing fighting and bloody tourture scenes mixed with beautiful soundtracks, this is really something for you!

The acting is superb, with two of the best actors I know of. Lee Byung Hun and Kim Yeong Cheol. (Some of you might know the two of them from the IRIS Drama where they have a similar relationship.) They do not act, they ARE their characters in my point of view. That is how good their acting is.

The music is great and really thought trough. Not just some b-class composers work.

I have rewatched this movie four times now and it is still my favorite!

So all in all, it's a huge piece of fantastic art!

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I wanted this to feel electric and full of chemistry and sweetness, but it just felt hollow. Most of the scenes of the main couple were... sweet, but they were missing something. I don't know if it was the script, direction or actors themselves, but I kept looking for some kind of real rawness and never got it. Felt overwritten and overdramatic without the heart or realism to ground it in a meaningful way. If I had encountered this when I was new to dramas I think I would like it a lot more, but I've seen too many at this point to be impressed by this.

Greatest Weakness: the romance that just never clicked
Greatest Strength: the female lead

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the best SI season! funny and chaotic

This season is definitely my favorite! You get so many emotions while watching it. It was really interesting to see how the relationships between the singles were developing. Many of them immediately expressed sympathy, but the chance to spend time alone in paradise didn’t come immediately.
My favorite singles in this season were Min-gi, Hee-sun, and Go-eun, and the along men my favorite was HyunJae.
Min-gi captivated me with her personality and confidence. Hee-sun was charming, and it was heartbreaking when Su-bin's feelings were misguided. Go-eun had her own charm and radiated exceptional sincerity, care, and kindness. Despite the fact that Goeun couldn't decide or reveal her feelings until the last moment, I found her visually appealing and humble. I initially knew that she must have a lot of fans, because she does fit the standards of Korean beauty and her name sounds powerful.
Hyun-jae was greatly underestimated, as he was both handsome and charming. His character was initially modest, but it was evident that he would eventually reveal more of his personality.
There's no need to comment on Mina-su's antics, we all saw it online. Mina-su realized that she had lost everyone, so she clung to Sam Lee’s feelings to avoid being left alone. Min-gi's words helped her regain her sense of reason, as she had become too reckless. After the last Paradise, I-gon 's behavior became so erratic that it would have repelled any girl.
Despite everything, my favorite couples were Min-gi and Seung-il, Hee-sun and Su-bin, and Jae-jin and Joo-young, as their last trip to paradise was incredibly romantic.
This season provided plenty of laughs, but it also caused discontent due to Mina-su's antics. Although Mina-su's presence made the season more interesting, it also infuriated viewers.
However, I highly recommend watching this season, as it is a must-see show.

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A gem far from artifice!

This is my second traditional drama after Pursuit of Jade, which I loved. I have tried to watch more traditional dramas, but I always leave them because I never connect with the history. Sometimes they're too fantastic and exaggerated; other times, the scripts are too violent or predictable.

Against the Current is a deliberate, measured drama. I read some comments complaining that it's too slow. But for me, no. Every chapter is a succession of events, plots, conspiracies, and action scenes. However, It’s filmed in a very measured way to make the spectator think and consider the different points of view behind the action.

The script is a gem! You're always surprised by how it all comes together, and one wrong move can trigger disaster, especially in a time with so many realms, marquis, ministers, and eunuchs.

I love the sisterhood and the feminist point of view—the fight for women's rights, and the defense of knowledge as an instrument of freedom. I sincerely love it. I feel the director didn’t try to sweeten all the problems women faced at the time, and even reflected the setbacks and obstacles other women faced in the fight for more rights.

Maybe 39-41, in this sense, were too much for me. But later, there is a recognition of the FL's exceptionality when the Old Master remembers what she was like as a kid.

Visually, it's so beautiful!! For me, much more than the artifice of some dramas like POJ. POJ is for platforms like Netflix and for Western audiences, more used to Hollywood artifice. I liked it, but for me, it was too focused on reaching other countries and making viral social media videos (which is good but maybe too much). On the other hand, Against the Current is an old-fashioned Chinese movie. The film is exquisitely shot, with every detail beautifully captured. The palace scenes, the images of the Capital, the vestments, the jewelry… everything is so beautiful.

As for the love story, I heard some comments saying it is not a love story. If what you are looking for are kiss scenes, then there is no love. But if you are looking for true love, a love beyond everything, this is the drama. A couple built on admiration and respect, who sacrifice their own lives for the other, who break conventional norms and risk their titles, possessions, and even their family reputation for each other.

Both characters are different; FL is restrained and discreet. But she is always the same; since she was a kid, she has made her discretion her most powerful asset. Risking her life to save him, burning proofs that may condemn him… are obvious tokens of love. ML, on the other hand, is passionate, tempestuous, and ambitious, as he should be in that time. But it's beautiful to see how, over the years together, they take some of the other's features. Something that happens in reality.

Apart from them, there is the love in capitals: the filial love, the love for the family, the love for the friends.

And the music??? Amazing!!! I can’t stop listening. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a drama that is already at the top of my list.

An ode to love and knowledge.

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A solid, worth-your-time watch if you really love horror and mystery

Although this was more of a mystery-thriller than a horror for me, nevertheless there was a time when I felt like there was someone watching me beyond a door at night while I was in the middle of watching this series. I loved the overall idea, the premise, the twist and the ending. I also liked that the police were involved as well, and there was a nice overlap of natural and supernatural. I could not stop clicking on the next episode, one after the other.
The only complain I have about the drama is the motive behind the actual spirit's hatred/resentment. That could have been more fleshed out. But overall, I really enjoyed this.

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Tokyo is all bark but no bite

More than a love story this whole tale is a commentary on Tokyo's state during different period of time, the Manga which is written during the bubble era, the 1991 drama before it pops, and the modern version when the economy is more stabilized. Each represents Wild Energy, Uncertainty and Resolve which would resonate in the character of Rika. The story described her as the living image of Tokyo, and in these 3 versions there is a dialogue where kanji says Rika is Tokyo itself. Having said that Tokyo Love Story is not remake but a reimagine, reimagining the same characters and story beats in modern times, similar with Final Fantasy 7, and just like how gameplay in modern Final Fantasy changes over time and so for Japanese dramas, the mundanity of the old was replaced by more fast paced approach, and elements such as female empowerment was added to fit the theme different from its predecessors. Tokyo as a city has this scary and intimidating vibe, and that never change. It's still the hub for lonely people. But "Tokyo is all bark but no bite" they say, so it's up to you whether you allow it to swallow you, tame it or run from it.

Just a heads up their journey as couples won't be that pretty at all, so if you want the same cute romantic stories then just watch until episode 3 and make that airport scene as your ending. After that the story will go into the more realistic territory, misunderstandings will develop, triangles will form, they will also go back and forth as a couple, and as a viewer it may feel personal to you especially if you relate to either of these couples. You'll witness the start of a toxic relationship, and you decide the source of that toxicity. You may take sides or no side; you may hate one or both of them.

The clash between their beliefs might be a fresh concept for a romance genre, but it's still the same misunderstanding between couples. It also feels a bit preachy, but that's fine since it's a mainstream drama, and by doing that they made Rika a bit comprehensible. The philosophical element of their relationship will fascinate you, its realism will immerse you, now the question is, would that be entertaining for you, because honestly the storytelling became weaker as the story goes, the second couple felt like a supporting characters, and it even dragged in the middle episodes. But for me before knowing it I already got invested in these characters that it made me curious what would be their fate, especially for Akana Rika.

Rika in this version is the anti thesis of everything we love about the romance genre, concepts like "destiny", "the one", "love never dies", those fairy tale words didn't exist in her vocabulary, then partnered it with her personality, moody, self assertive, independent, selfish but selfless then you get a complicated yet compelling character. She's flawed and many would misunderstand her, but that only makes her less of a manic pixie dream girl trope similar to the Manga.

Then there is Kanji the voice of us normies, sane people or whatever you want to call it. He is shouting all the time like a shonen character for hopeless romantics. Kanji is the traditional guy who just wants security and dependability different from Rika who is for mystery, exploration and freedom. Kanji is also obsessed with this thing called romantic possessiveness, he wanted to own Rika, but Rika doesn't feel the same way, she doesn't want to own Kanji, she just wanted to own the wants.

It's a bold move from the writer to incorporate the concept of "Modern Love" in this story and I like it, it enriches the psychological and philosophical aspect of this entire thing. I also love how they handled it, the drama could have criticize Romanticism so much and to be honest I had a feeling they are going in that direction, but the drama choose not to, it remained gray in the end and let the audience decide what to feel especially for its principal character Rika. Personally I get her, that mindset is common nowadays at least for me since I am surrounded with these kind of people and I notice there is one thing common to them, their work is somewhat related to art, just like Rika. I would say this topic is well researched or maybe the writer feels the same way. The problem is in Japan, people there would be too traditional, so I can't even imagine them being open to this type of relationship.

Production quality is not what you would expect in a typical Japanese drama it's WOWOW level or even Japanese dramas on Netflix. Cinematography is absolutely beautiful especially long shots, those shots that wonderfully captured Tokyo's vibrant and colorful lifestyle. Fashion is a thing is Tokyo Love Story, since they wanted to convey a particular period in time, from Rika's sophisticated office attire to Kanji's normie get up, I think they nailed that part. It also seems they wanted to play parallels with the 1991 drama, they not only altered Rika, but most shots are also during the night. Music is really good and I wonder how they found those English insert songs because it feels both are written for this story. Those songs didn't just provide modern vibe, but western vibe as well. I also love main theme "Touka", it's so catchy, so modern, sounds a bit like bump of chicken, and it brilliantly served its purpose as the cliffhanger song. The cinematography is beautiful and songs are exceptional but more importantly the casting for the main couple is spot on.

Japan has this stupid policy when casting actors in their dramas and god knows how many careers got derailed or even ruined just of that, but from time to time they do it right. Casting Ishibashi Shizuka for the role of Rika is the best thing they've done since Rena Nounen in Amachan. Their vision for Rika embodies Ishibashi so much, among the young Japanese actresses she's the one that exudes the strong modern woman type and her being an acclaimed indie actress means her acting style is more in a subtle category, the art of telling without telling, which fits perfectly for Rika, a woman who can't express herself properly. Ishibashi's contemplative look is so good that you would feel the psychological and emotional vulnerability in the character even her not saying a single word, so when she explodes in episode 10 you really feel it. She didn't just break the fourth wall; she drove a f-cking truck through it.

Kentaro is also a nice pick for the role of Kanji. I thought Ishibashi's captivating screen presence would eat him alive when I see his name in the cast but no he manage to stand his ground, he didn't disappear on the background. Kentaro's more japanese animated acting compliments Ishibashi's subtlety, un japanese acting style, it creates an interesting rapport between them. His goody-good image also fits this version of kanji which they describe as rice that goes well with anybody. Their chemistry might not be as good as those older classic Japanese dramas but to compare it with recent romance dramas with grounded characters then I think this is one of the best. I would give the acting a 10 if just for those 2 but since it's a collective effort I can't.

The problem is other couple, Anna Ishii is a great actress but she can only do so much with that boring character. I wish they put spice in her character and gave it a back-story just like what they did with Mikami. Her talent is wasted in this drama. Such a shame because I only watch this drama for her. Mikami in this version is more layered than the old Mikami. I kind of see why they put that disturbing scene in the drama but I don't agree with it, I don't think it's needed. If they want a stronger reason for Satomi to do what she has to do then why they didn't bother giving more backbone to her character. Sho Kiyohara is also the weakest actor among the four, I just wish he nailed that scene with Rika but the dude just can't cry, even the actress who played Nagasaki is better, now that girl can act. Mikami still fits him though. He's as charismatic as the old Mikami, like a model every time he's on screen.

It might seem I'm neutral, leaning towards trashing the show, but no because I really like this version. It has its flaws just like its characters, but for me I still consider it well made adaptation. Also, since I view it as a commentary my opinion on it just became better, not just this version but the 1991 drama as well. However if you want to know the difference between both, this one is less cheesy, more mature, less entertaining, but more realistic. For a story that is already 30 plus years old, it's given it would be a trope fest of a show, but for me there are 3 things they nailed right. It fascinates me, it immersed me, but more importantly, it makes sense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HBZt3H8VXo
To understand Rika's mind watch this

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Don't drink the Kool-aid!

When Korean businessman Kang In Gu traveled to Suriname he never dreamed that he would end up between a rock and a hard place and the deep blue sea. Not only a fish out of water, but one desperately trying to stay out of the frying pan, Kang had to use all of his wiles to survive in a treacherous place dangled between a deadly Korean drug lord and a maniacal Chinese one.

Kang In Gu learned early to hustle between multiple jobs to earn a living. Now with his own family he's barely making ends meet when an old school friend shows up with a business opportunity. Skate fish are popular in Korea, but the sources for the fish were dwindling. Across the globe in Suriname they were throwing the smelly fish away. All the men needed to do was to buy the strange fish cheaply in Suriname and sell them for a huge profit back home. After a problem with a local police chief and city hall employee at his karaoke bar, Kang throws in with his friend Park Eun Soo and travels halfway across the world to seek his fortune.

Kang's business experience dealing with bribes helps him in Suriname until Chinese drug lord Chen Zhen (Taiwanese star Chang Chen) lets him know that he owns the water. After a chastising phone call from his religious wife, Kang dutifully goes to church where Pastor Jeon takes him under his wing. With a little help from the "saint", Kang's skates head to Korea. All is well until the ship has to stop in Aruba where a custom's search discovers cocaine in the fish. After a brief prison stint in St. Martin's, Kang ends up working for the Korean NIS to bring Jeon down. Turns out the good pastor was also the head of a cocaine cult and one of the largest drug distributors in Europe.

Narco Saints was not particularly original in the drug and crime genre but it was well done. Reducing the drama to 6 episodes helped keep the story tight as Kang and his NIS contact navigated the dangerous waters between Jeon and Chen. The story showed how Kang was able to read Jeon and play on his and Chen's suspicions and paranoia. Quick on his feet and always willing to negotiate, NIS agent Choi came to rely on Kang's instincts in dealing with the dangerous gangs.

Ha Jung Woo brought a subtle intelligence to his role as Kang. Hwang Jung Min delivered a pleasant menace to his evil pastor without going over the top. Chang Chen as the sadistic Chinese gangster particularly had to straddle the line between menace and madness and did so well.

Narco Saints was tense right up to the end, though it did devolve into some unrealistic fight scenes. It wouldn't be the first to do so. What Narco Saints did well was show the temptation for Kang to cross over to the bad side in order to make more money than he could have ever wished for and relatively easily. He wouldn't have to work himself to death like his parents but he was also pragmatic enough to realize that Jeon's days were numbered. His journey from only wanting to make money to only wanting to survive was an interesting one.

This drama covered much of the world and involved people representing several countries. It might not have broken new ground but it did itself proud in the drug crime genre. Worth trying out if you enjoy this sort of suspenseful and violent at times story.

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This has a great plot, it's not something you haven't seen before but the way the story was told was just great. Painfully beautiful. I first used the term with A Beautiful Life (series) and this will just be the second time.
No matter how many times you go back in time to try to change things if it isn't meant to be that it will never be. Seems you really can't change what is bound to happen. You just have to accept the fact that whatever is meant to be will find its way eventually. Enjoy the moment and make the most put of it, keep those memories and make sure you tell those you love how much you love them.
Full review here: elijahmaliksmom.wordpress.com

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When Healing meets Romance and begins Restoration

What a sweet series that allows one to get vested in each character without dragging the pace. The trauma points were not overly done. The push and pull in business dealings were just enough to help understand the dynamics of each character's decision making. The budding romance was humble, communicative and endearing. The OST was okay and overall production was solid. The supporting cast was good at driving home the concept of differences from big city beliefs and smaller community relations and loyalty. This was quite enjoyable and a different pace from most romance dramas. FL and ML chemistry was warm and swoon worthy at times. Very good balance and life evolving and love blooming in the midst. Worth the watch.

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no incest. dont worry.

i love the FL in other big dramas as supporting actress like Go Ahead, Royal Feast, As Beautiful As You. this is the first time i watch her as main lead (eventhough i know this drama is not her 1st time as main character). she nailed it. as expected.

the ML is a great actor. i love his acting so much. but im not really familiar with him before. this is the first proper drama of him as main lead that i watch (only watch him in cuts and edits before)

the plot is good. the love game between the two is *chefkiss. but the family tree, i mean, familiES treeS are messed up. at first you are his son, suddenly you are not. she is your sibling, and later she is not.. but suddenly she is your sibling again (facepalm). the SFL is the half sibling, then she is suddenly not. the SML is half sibling of this and suddenly he is to that. so messed up lmao.

but dont worry, no incest in this drama. almost, but the plot twist said nope.

overall, rewatch worthy and recommended.

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Why watch Bad Genius the series?

At first, I was very skeptical to watch the series mainly because I thought there was no way the original Lin and Bank could ever be replaced. However, I couldn't be more thankful that I chose to watch the series nonetheless.
If you love the movie, you'll definitely love the series. The writer added more depth to the story because obviously the duration of the whole series is way longer the movie.

Worthy to mention, the unsaid yet undeniable connection between Lin and Bank was even more defined in the series. Following are the friendship between Lin and Grace; the relationship between Grace and Pat; the cheating arrangements; but I need to stop here so as not to reveal any spoiler. The characters, no matter how evil they'd become, you cannot hate them because the reasons are logical enough that probably you'd do the same if you were in the same situation.

Every episode is more intense. You could literally hear your heart getting out your chest. Although, changes have been made from the movie but it's mainly because to justify more the actions done by the characters. The cast and the crew have done their respective parts incredibly. Lastly, the opening song is so good, you'd be having a hard time to skip it. To reiterate,the series has more depth than the movie!

Overall, the series deserved attention just as the movie, and personally, even more.
Check it out guys.

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