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First impression: unafraid of heavy themes, yet filled with warmth and tenderness
The long-awaited return of PerthSanta in Love You Teacher really couldn’t have come in a more vibrant way. GMMTV finally seems to be having fun with its visuals, leaning into a color palette that actually matches the energy between the leads. The premiere mixes that familiar light, school-life humor with a surprising emotional weight, and it works better than you’d expect.One of the highlights of the episode is the art direction. The details in the sets and costumes are not merely decorative, but help build a sense of warmth that welcomes the audience from the very first minute. It’s nice to see the studio investing in stories that, while keeping the beloved clichés of the genre, dare to explore more refined visual and emotional textures.
The performances are another big win. Perth delivers a beautiful portrayal, proving that his dramatic instincts remain as sharp as ever. His moments of vulnerability and tears are genuinely heartbreaking and convey the exhaustion of someone trying to balance the roles of boyfriend and caretaker. Santa, meanwhile, moves with a magnetic gentleness between the different shades of Solar and his seven-year-old self. The duo’s chemistry carries the rhythm of the episode, allowing the shifts between laugh-out-loud moments and waves of emotional distress to feel organic rather than forced, like fragments of a life shared in all its complexity.
Of course, the premise of age regression (Solar’s mental “reset” after the accident) requires a certain suspension of disbelief from the audience. The show’s neurological logic may feel somewhat creative to more skeptical viewers, but the script makes the smart decision of establishing that the relationship already existed before the trauma. That choice protects the integrity of the narrative, steering clear of uncomfortable questions about consent and instead focusing on what truly matters: the resilience of love in the face of adversity and the emotional toll of caregiving. Some details surrounding Solar’s personality shifts still feel a bit hazy, and in typical GMMTV fashion the editing occasionally flirts with mild confusion. Even so, none of it diminishes the appeal of the story that is beginning to unfold.
In the end, Love You Teacher premieres with the promise of becoming one of the highlights of the 2026 season. It is a series unafraid to touch on sensitive topics such as mental health and the weight of adult responsibility, yet it does so without losing the tenderness and bright warmth its protagonists radiate. If the remaining nine episodes maintain this same level of technical and emotional commitment, we may be looking at a new classic of the genre. For anyone searching for a story with heart and polished visuals, the show’s very first Saturday already proves the wait was more than worth it.
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I was wrong. Those things are on the story, but we can't deny that it has its own way to develop it. Su-min is a poor man who goes to the big city trying to be someone; blind by his proud, he tries to succeed without no one helping. Jae-min is a playboy who has everything he ever wanted, but it seems he never experienced love before. The way they interact the whole time is so sutile, and at the same time is so intense... Su-min, Jae-min and the rest of the characters are people living their own lives, without that "protagonist-personality" and way of thinking so present on romantic movies. There's not heroes and villains. All we see is just people.
Like Juniko ?? said here, "each one (line) is used wisely". That's a story conveying extra-real feelings, bringing us the real emotions in our own real lives. More than romantic dialogues, the movie talks in the action, the gesture, the finest expression of emotion, at the point the story flows by that aspect. The whole thing goes naturally. It's not like a boring scenario that had a good make-up.
Has been a while since I watched a movie like this one, so I watched again a lot. Not only because of the sex scenes, I'm not a pervert! I just love seeing their love being build in such a rich way.
If any of you have such a good recommendation, please tell me. Thanks in advance. ^^
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Tale as Old as Time
Even from the first episode, I knew I like it. It's not because I like Liu Shi Shi enough that I would watch all her dramas. The story captured me from the beginning because:1) It reminds me of Jin Yong stories with new Xianxia twists.
2) The side characters (ie. the sisters of the leads) provide comic relief and interesting side stories.
3) The main leads have chemisstry.
4) All the actors can act. There's no one standing out as annoying. The bad guys are really evil.
5) The conflict is clear and makes sense.
6) You don't have to watch the previous drama (Red Moon) with Yang Mi to understand this drama (so thankful because I dropped the other drama after 2 episodes when it came out).
The Negatives
1) The story is a little bit convoluted in the beginning because of all the extra "famous" characters. Too many people died. But that's the theme: humans and demons will fight until there evil is eradicated.
2) Some basic plot is predictable because it's how old stories are told 30 years ago (look at The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, etc).
3) Liu Shi Shi seems to be directed to act with a poker face. Is this her inherent character based on the story? I don't know. Waiting for the development.
4) Up to ep 12, there continues to be TOO MANY side characters. There are only 36 episodes. If everyone of the side characters have such long side stories, I don't know if the story can hold together because the main leads are not shown enough. So far, I am disappointed in this because I want to see more of the leads.
Why you might be disappointed:
1) People who watch this drama for all the so called "famous" idols will be disappointed because they are there as cameos to gain new fans. The true famous star of this drama is Liu Shi Shi. If you don't know her, do some research and watch some of her famous dramas (Scarlet Heart 1). They are so good! She's a versatile actress: 37 years old returning to acting after marriage and baby but still takes Main Lead roles of popular dramas. That's not an accident.
2) People who deem LSS is not a good actress because of her blank eyes. I think the director/story called for this expression. Look at Yang Mi in Red Moon. She had no expression in her eyes too. And believe me, YM can emote with her eyes. So I think the director asked for this.
3) People who don't want to see their favorites die off. Well, I think the story/theme calls for it.
I can't wait to see more development in this story and the Sword and Beloved. These stories remind me of those old Jin Yong's stories with new Xianxia twists.
Finished. Although I don't agree with some of the storylines, I will give this drama full marks. I think both ML and FL did an amazing job, especially at the end. I don't think there is a better ML for the role. He is the best person for the role of Wangquan Hong Ye. Very convincing at the end. He reminds of the Yang Guo in the The Return of the Condor Heroes, with gray hair. He walks through the doors to rescue her, bigger than life. And she was wearing white dress. They only look at each other, ignoring everyone else, just like Yang Guo at the end.
C drama is never perfect. But I think this was entertaining and has very good acting. And even though the ending is difficult to accept, I am ok with it because it makes sense.
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I'm sorry, but I need to like SOMEONE in the show
Maybe I was watching a different show than everyone else, maybe I was in a bad frame of mind, or maybe I just didn't get it, but this show irritated me no end. It was full of unlikeable characters, especially the FL. She was self-centered, self-absorbed, and every other "self" word that you could come up with. This is someone that wouldn't have any friends, because she can't think of anyone other than herself. There was a lot of name-calling, and overall, the relationship between the FL and ML was just toxic. Break up, make up, repeat ad nauseum. Then, at the end, when he is baring his soul to her, she continues to nag him. I just wanted to tell him to run away while he could.I did like the music though.
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ECLIPSED POTENTIAL
What just happened? Is that it?The promotions to this show oversold it as a mystery drama - but wat was promised to be an intriguing and unique (crime)unexplained death solving/revenge plot with a touch of supernatural turned out to be nothing but shallow build up.
The only saving grace is the cast - First and Khaotung are both too good for the scenes they could have done it even while sleeping. It is a shame that both stellar actors are not getting the right break to catapult them into proper BL idols, i thought this was it. Oh, I also thought they're too old to play high school, in shorts nonetheless.
Im sorry to say but nothing about the plot is successfully executed - the investigative-mystery solving arc turned out to be nothing but one nephew's cry for attention. The failed attempt of being a gay activism show (un)spectacularly influenced by the metoo movement is just preachy and pointless. The enemies-to-lovers angle was shoved in our faces but isnt even fully developed. Even the second pairing felt forced. And has anyone sensed a creepy teacher to student lovers vibe?
Also, you cannot make a story with two trying-hard psychopaths that put other students lives at risk (to advance their causes) just to literally make them get away with it at the end, there was no consequences and literally no risks. Everybody came out unscathed and everything is rainbows and butterflies by the end. Just no. It made the whole series pointless.
Episode 1 wasnt compelling enough, i stayed because of the cast. I was already too bored by episode 3 and i kind of forgot about it. Came back and binged the next 4 episodes but it didnt get better. I skipped it again and bitch watched (Im sorry, i meant to say binge watched) the rest after the finale aired. Im just glad i didnt wait for it every Friday.
We all know we have too much school BL drama now, and giving it a twist could have been interesting but man it is just a show with big potential but was eclipsed by the shallow execution.
Overall, 6.5 stars. watch it for the main leads otherwise ignore it if you have other things to watch.
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Some people are saying "oh it's bad acting." Really? Is it bad acting to be less serious and more silly? I don't think so.
For a rom-com, I thought the acting was pretty well executed and I totally loved Jiro in this and can't really think of another actor that would replace him. I know Rainie Yang has a lot of haters as well, which for the life of me, I can't understand. Girls' got spunk. :) But her character in this drama is much more different than other roles she's played. This was my favorite role of hers! XD
The story isn't anything new really, shy, introvert, nerdy type of girl catches the attention of the attractive, Mr.Popularity. But I tend to love these types of stories. So cliche I know, so sue me...:P
Overall it is an adorable story that has just the right amount of romance, just enough comedy and just enough "seriousness" (as serious as you can get in a rom-com, I mean) that really makes the story worth watching. Plus, I totally adore Mars and Momo! They have such good chemistry in this drama, which was what really kept me going. I mean c'mon, even their NAMES sound good together. MarsxMomo~
Love this couple and love this story. :DDD
But PLEASE! If you're looking for something serious and dramatic (involving tears) this isn't the drama for you...however if you want something light, cute and sweet (with a bit of silliness) then look no further! :D
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1When karma slaps back.
Blossom (九重紫) stands out in a year where too many highly anticipated period costume dramas implode and self destruct pass the mid-point. This is short drama director Zheng Jingjie's debut long form drama where he once again compels with his brand of immersive storytelling. This drama avoids naming the dynasty as the narrative takes liberties with history and is quite critical of the emperor but it should be loosely set in mid-Ming dynasty, during the reign of the Chenghua emperor. The rebirth premise is straightforward and the business and palace conspiracy plot arcs while often done, are transformed by innovative takes on tired themes, a masterful build up in tension, suspense and relief and brisk pacing overall. There is nothing really that special about the plot or the acting, it is once again mostly about this director's captivating camera language and narrative panache that turned multiple low budget short dramas into memorable mini hits that punch above their production values. His foray into long form dramas should hopefully shake up the complacent and lazy storytelling characteristic of the well established long form directors.Dou Zhao is the capable, long suffering wife of Wei Tingyu, the profligate Marquis of Jining. She chooses the cold and snowy night that vengeful butcher general Song Mo helps Prince Qing depose the crown prince and seize the throne, to dump her husband's sloppy ass. As she flees the capital, she is rescued by an injured Song Mo and they take refuge at the temple of a mysterious monk Yuantong. Cornered and betrayed, they fall into an abyss through time and space, inextricably bound through Yuantong's cryptic book of divination. Dou Zhao wakes up as if from a dream, as a young girl again, clutching the prophetic book like a lifeline. She is immediately thrust into one of the turning points in her life, where she painfully learns that forewarned is not necessarily forearmed. Nonetheless, she determinedly sets out to get it right this time around; to make herself financially independent and to avoid her past disastrous marriage. One of the story's strengths is that when karma slaps back, jeopardy is at play and Dou Zhao's book of riddles is far from a roadmap of the future. As the ripple effects of the changes she makes snowball, her world increasingly deviates from the past and the path ahead is murky and no less treacherous.
As for Song Mo, he has the hero halo and is the total package as far as physical appearances go but that is about it. As it turns out, his impressive muscles extend all the way up between his ears. This is an all bravado, all heart, kind of character that allows his rage and impulses to dictate his actions. As Ji Yong mockingly points out over and over again, he is a mantis with little insight or awareness even of who is moving the chess pieces around him and is easily manipulated into being someone else's pawn. His reckless, selfish and misguided quest for justice for one person, puts the wrong person on the throne and upsets the order of the universe, resulting in injustice for many people. So much so that 閻王/Yanwang the King of Hell himself must have rejected him and sent him back for a reboot. He does not get smarter, he is simply Dou Zhao's pawn the second time around and not the chess player. She is the inner voice of caution he does not possess that saves him time and again from his worst instincts. Dou Zhao's mature styling gives her gravitas as a business woman but it also makes her look visibly older than Song Mo. Leaving a few grey streaks in his hair may have negated this impression somewhat. Needless to say, even though I enjoyed the plot, I am lukewarm about this kind of CP and was not bowled over by their romance or chemistry. In fact, I find Dou Zhao has better chemistry with Ji Yong, who is her intellectual equal and her soul mate and confidante. But yeah, I get it, I'd probably also pick the hot general over the chess grandmaster. Being shallow is so much more fun!
The cast in this drama are all up and coming actors whose acting skills are still works in progress. Nonetheless, this director is accustomed to working with C-grade actors and adroitly papers over all their flaws with his brilliant visual narrative style. The best decision this production made was to invest in good voice actors that were able to give definition to all the roles that mattered. This is a case study for how in some cases, it is better not to rely on original voice. While I always like the storytelling approach of making certain supporting roles main characters of their own arcs, this was hit or miss in terms of execution. I enjoyed Wei Tingyu and Dou Ming's sub-plot best, but both characters did not get an ending they deserved. This was so that a tropey villain like Wei Xingyue got her own super unoriginal and overly melodramatic arc. It was a race to the bottom with the completely ridiculous and boring Song Han and Miao Ansu arc, which highlights the two most atrociously bad actors in the cast. There are more interesting character stories played by more charismatic actors including Chen Jia and Zhao Zhangru, Gu Yu and Wu Shan that they could be better explored. I really enjoyed Gu Yu and hope to see more of this very humorous and charming young actor Fu Weilun. Unlike Dou Zhao who has Ji Yong, Song Mo doesn't have a really good sidekick and Gu Yu could have been better utilised in this capacity. While there is no shortage of petty and not so original villain archetypes, this story lacks a really good villain with a compelling motive. The only ones that had real mastermind potential got whitewashed in the finale to deliver one twist too many.
Despite a few arcs that could have been better, a few missed opportunities, some sloppy logic and messy edits, the story finishes strongly at the plot climax and ends in a satisfying way. It is a very solid production that made the best of its limited resources. It got noticed and won well deserved praises not only because it is truly quite good but because so many other dramas with superior resources ended up bombing out so badly in 2024. As someone who was long ago bored with the romance genre, I enjoyed this enough to rate it 8.5/10.0
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1How a leader of men becomes a follower of a woman.
Li Ni is too good to be true: a brave, patriotic, upstanding and brilliant young general who safeguards the border at the kingdom's farthest reaches with his Zhenxi army. He aspires to live a carefree, adventurous life at his beloved Laolan Pass with his found family of merry men, steering clear of his imperial roots. And no wonder; his royal father and two half-brothers are cowardly, venal, ambitious, duplicitous and so dumb they test the limits of the word. But destiny intervenes when a military governor Sun Jing seizes the capital, holds Li Ni's witless father hostage and the imperial grandson and rightful successor goes missing. As the kingdom descends into civil war, Li Ni leads the intrepid Zhenxi army to try to save the day. He encounters the bold and audacious A Ying, a lieutenant at the helm of the formidable Cui family army. At first glance, A'Ying is an awesome character; strong, independent, daring, ambitious and cunning. While they have different visions of the future, they are aligned in the immediate purpose of defeating Sun Jing. They join hands in an alliance that has each trying to out do the other in terms of being the one to seize victory. Sparks fly between them, suggesting a broader and more permanent union could be in the cards.The political plot is very loosely based on the history of the founding of the Tang dynasty. The writing reflects a shallow understanding of politics and historical reality and just plain laziness. The writer clearly didn't know what to do with the one interesting and smart villain and thus quickly kills them off. We are then bamboozled with a bunch of very tired one-note villain archetypes who are surprisingly difficult to kill dead despite their limited brain cells. They are so done before too many times villains that they are not worthy of mention. The only good thing about the battle for the throne arcs are the action scenes; they are exciting and bloody. Xu Kai always delivers incredibly agile and powerful fight scenes and with a good action director like this, he really shines. The drama peaks at an epic and consequential battle around episode 32 and that is probably the best place to stop. It took me a long time to get through the final 8 episodes that were unnecessary and as bland as tofu.
In terms of the romance, this drama is anchored by good chemistry and flawless portrayals by Xu Kai and Jing Tian. It errs on the side of being overly generous with the fan service sweet scenes, which I only mildly enjoyed. I may have been more convinced had I not just come off watchingJing Tian beam beatifically up at Feng Shaofeng (Legend of Zhuohua) with that exact same limpid, adoring expressions. The bigger issue is that A Ying as a character is incredibly difficult to like. She is strong willed, reckless and has a most unbecoming need to win all the time and especially when she is wrong. She doesn't even "win" with any great, glorious or brilliant schemes; her kisses are essentially Kryptonite as far as Li Ni is concerned. It is beyond infantile that he would cede an entire city for a kiss! Li Ni's wants are mallaeble as far as she is concerned and she takes it upon herself to meddle in high power politics to achieve the outcomes she wants. When she doesn't like the consequences of her schemes, it is inevitably Li Ni's fault. The "dealbreaker" conflict between them never gets solved; their relationship is bailed out by events, which is an anti-climatic writing cop out that left me convinced they will surely end up divorced. She does not communicate with Li Ni, overestimates her ability to handle problems on her own and is oblivious to the fact that a deranged lunatic is after her even though he captures her many times. To my dismay, each of her near death experiences are just near. We are told this is a smart and independent character but we are shown she is not smart and constantly needs rescuing from her own hubris. Their love story is an utterly soul destroying tale of how a leader of men becomes a follower of a woman. The only love story in this drama that actually moved me was that of Consort Xiao.
This is Xu Kai's best recent drama after a string of disappointments and he does a really good job here playing a character with massive hero complex. As for Jing Tian, I didn't love her character but I am sure a less charming actress would have frustrated me into dropping this. Despite the good acting, the many logic holes, pedestrian sub-plots and cardboard characters make for a smooth but bland cocktail. I can only rate it 7.0. Overall it is not a bad watch for the fantastic fight scenes and squeal-worthy flirty moments.
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The fear of death follows from the fear of life.
Reminded me of a quote from Harry Potter, "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure". Indeed, HELLBOUND is the adventure on the way to death and a survival game against the angle of quietus.TW: Dystopia, Violence, Killing, Cult beliefs, Brainwashing, Superstitions.
Hellbound, written and directed by the acclaimed director Yeon Sang Ho, the PD or some famous apocalypse thriller movies like "Train to Busan" and "Psychokinesis", has been able to deliver another mind-blowing piece with his experience and skills. Can't really say that it's a groundbreaking show but surely a good one that keeps you entertained throughout and evokes all kinda feelings.
Basically, the story is set up in a dystopian world along with supernatural elements. Some people see predications of their death as a decree of being bound to hell for the sins they've committed and no matter how much they try, they can't prevent it. Some unknown monster-like giant creatures appear from nowhere and execute them and send them to hell. Jung Jin Su (Yoo Ah In), is the founder of the religious group "Saejinrihwae" (literally The Truth), tells the world that this is God's work and make people follow the group. They name the monsters "Angle of Death".
"Hwasalchok" (literally arrowhead) are the radical follwers of the religion who are very dangerous. They punish anyone who questions the existence of their God. Min Hye Jin (Kim Hyun Joo) is a lawyer at Sodo Law Firm, trying to find out about the truth of this religion. Jin Kyung Hoon (Yang Ik Jun) is a detective whose daughter Jin Hee Jung (Lee Re) somehow gets involved with the cult.
The plot development isn't steady, rather the story is divided into 2 parts; the first 3 episodes showing about the rise of the cult group and the latter half showcasing it's consequences and got a solid plotline about Bae Young Jae (Park Jung Min) and Song So Hyun (Won Jin Ah) who are married couple with a newborn baby. The execution of these 2 seemingly different storylines set up in the same scenario is very well done by the PDnim.
Personally, I couldn't find anything great in the first episode to feel the urge of continuing the show but I had to do it anyways. The 2nd episode did interest me a bit, ngl. The 3rd episode is what makes you hooked because of the intriguing elements that will definitely raise your curiosity level. There is a leap when the 4th episode starts and whatever follows, is very crazy and insane; enough to make your blood boil. I've already mentioned it's a dystopia so be careful in case you're sensitive because this ain't for the light-hearted.
The back story of the entire show isn't completely explained, just like many other Netflix Korea Original shows, in order to keep the suspense for another season and this clearly is the case here. Some might cite things happening in here illogical, but do keep in mind that it's dystopia.
Acting as an overall, is pretty good. Skillful ones like Yoo Ah In, Kim Hyun Joo, Park Jung Min, Won Ji Ah, Yang Ik Jun, etc have done a good job as usual. Also, the supporting plus minor characters have delivered a decent job. Not to forget, Kim Hyun Joo's action skills were nice, though wasn't shown for long and well, I loved that part. Wish they made her do some extra stunts hehe.
The CGI could have been better bcs tbh, the monsters weren't even scary. I admit the story is mot just about the monsters, rather the story about wrong beliefs plus some sort hidden power, who's doing all these, but still; the monsters looked like somky hulks and least scary... However, as always the sound production is apt which enthralls and enrages you and makes you anxious.
Many important factors, shown in here are: false sense of justice and righteousness, crime and criminal minds, victim and their families, bloodlust, superstition, wrong beliefs, brainwashing, radicalism, abuse, parental love & care, death & it's essence, desires to live or survive, relentless fear, agony, vengeance, sadism, etc.
My most favourite line from Hellbound is from the finale episode where this random person says, "I don't know about Gods, neither do I care. But what I know is, this world belongs to people. And we should deal our matters by ourselves."
Again, Netflix Korea has done a bad job in regards of English translation, idk what has happened to them since Squid Game. No one is asking for literal translations but for goodness's sake don't divert the context of a conversation by translating sentences in a sense that doesn't even match the essence of it.
In fact the very ending of the finale episode indicates the beginning of another tragedy, hence implying about a second season. But well, I am disappointed that Netflix Korea keep doing it on a regular basis and go silent about the clarification for a 2nd season. Then they come back after a long while saying they will make it but by that time, a major portion of the cast gives up the drama, wth. Do better, Netflix Korea.
I must admit, the ending consequences have made me cry. Given the storyline, it was bound to be a sad and tragic ending but I don't expect they'll put forth some essence about death, relationship and beliefs, which actually made me see the entire thing in a good light by the end of the drama. The finale episode is the best one out of the 6. I was totally enthrilled by the entire episode.
By the end, from What, How and Why, one thing that wasn't explained was the "What" aspect and the root cause of the entire happening. Wish they would make a full-length drama out of the webtoon so that we could rate it a whole, or a movie could have been better. Anyways, the overall development was good, if not excellent. I would have given a 8.0 but honestly not that impressed.
Overally, Hellbound is a very good one time watch and worth the binge. I enjoyed most of the parts of the show, though I am not really awed or taken aback by this. I haven't read the original wentoon so can't say what alterations they've made or whether it meets the standard or not. I suggest you watch with a strong hold on your heart. Even if you're not that interested, please do it for the one and only Yoo Ah In bcs his visuals are top notch, oof.
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This review may contain spoilers
The biggest plot twist ever in history...continue reading to find out!!!!!!Story: (SPOILER)
It starts out with the physician and his assistant visiting the King's chamber. The next day, news broke out that the King is gravely ill, upon hearing the news CP Lee Chang decides to visit to see his father. Upon getting there, the Queen forbids him from seeing him and tells him that if he catches the flu who would be the nation's next King. He later sneaks into the chamber and discovered something gruesome; a shadow-like a beast follows by a foul stench and the smell of blood that could not be described. The thin paper bamboo door suddenly slides open with the guards outside questioning him why he is there. He follows with that there is a beast in the chamber and proceeds to persuade everyone. The head guard tells him there is no such thing and that it must be the tiredness. CP heads on to see his father, but again failed to meet as he was stopped by an official. CP tells about the sighting of the beast and to his amused the official replied back with saying he's seen it too, a son who pretends to be concern about his father but really he wants to see his father dead so he can guarantee his safety to the throne was the monster he has seen (referring to the prince). CP is escorted back and finds out that the last physician to see his father lives in Dongnae and so the journey to see the physician embarks. The next morning, all the official gets together to plot a scheme to kill the CP, and so he was going to be arrested for treason. Meanwhile at Jiyulheon, as the physician returns with the dead body of his assistant, those who was close to the boy was confused and lost about how he had died. Seo Bi, a woman who's also a physician returns from her daily findings of herbs to see all the sick patients happily eating. Confused as there is shortage on food and nothing to eat she rushes to the kitchen and sees this guy (honestly I can't remember his name or did he even have a name, can someone confirm with me cause I really can't remember/ gonna call him GUY1) Seo Bi asked him where he got the food from and he tells her that he hunted a deer. Pleased that everyone gets to eat meat, she was asked to refill another bowl of delicious meat soup and so she proceeds to do so to find out it wasn't a deer. The soup was made from a dead body. Shooketh, not shocked but shooketh, because I was shooketh too, she confronts GUY1 about it, meanwhile, the start of the epidemic starts to happen. CP and his trusted body guard arrives to see the place locked up from the inside and looking like a mess. They get inside and discover the bodies of the dead and sends them to the magistrate. When all hope was lost guys, GUY1 & Seo Bi did not die, yes they did not die and is friggen alive. CP and body guard finds Seo Bi in the mountain looking for a herb that can cure the dead, she finds out that the body has been moved to the magistrate and tells them that the bodies are not dead. They were literally like girl what you on about, but she keeps insisting them that the body will start to rise at night. CP slowing believing her asked her if the creature has a foul stench and blood smells and she said yes, and with this, it proves the theory CP has. CP sends his bodyguard and seo bi to the magistrate to check out what's happening. Seo Bi and GUY1 starts explaining about what the bodies do but no one believed them and they both end up in the jail. As night fall, the bodies starts to become alive and the village becomes the walking dead. The epidemic starts to spread and at this point in time, everyone finds out about the CP. This is basically the story, the CP ends up helping the people and everyone ends up at this city call Sangju, there with the help of his former teacher and his people, they start to build forts and trenches and traps to kill the zombies. As this was unfolding Seo Bi discovers the herb that can cure the epidemic. Back to the traps, they waited all night and nothing showed up, relieved they killed off the fire and everyone was ready to go and rest...and then...as the CP looked into the distance, a disturbance in the wood had set off the bird and the ground was trembling and trees was literally shaking!!!!! Seo Bi hears something and turns around to see that there are the zombies standing behind them,- you can see it in the reflection of the water...BIGGEST FRIGGEN PLOT TWIST she realises that they do not rise during the night but to the temperature, yes temperature. THE END. Another plot twist, the Queen is not pregnant, repeat she is not pregnant. & now the wait for season 2. I literally watched this when I found out it was on netflix via IG and I literally stopped watching my current drama because I was that excited to see it. I can't even explain it lmao, but like each episodes had it's own feels like my siblings and I we were so into it that like we commentate the whole series cause we didn't want bad things to happen t the good people and we were rooting for the bads to get eaten by the zombies. haha. But check it out.
Acting/Cast:
It was soooooo good, like props to everyone who has to run like that like yalls MVP of the year already.
Rewatch:
I would definitely rewatch this and rewatch it when season 2 comes out.
Overall:
Everyone has to watch it like its sooo good, like I could not find any fault with it. Like its amazing. Shoutout to NETFLIX for being MVP and subbing this.
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Imagine having a good story and butchering it in the adaption?
Listen, I won't bother going on a rant or comparative review between the novel and show. This aint the review. It is safe to say they murdered the novel. So I will just dive into the mediocre drama ON it's own.The drama started off pretty well, but slowly but surely went downhill. Our heroine needs to be saved too many times when we are told she is the guy's equal. Our hero HAD to be the sole center focus of the drama instead of it being about the two of them. They are called Bai-Hei-Feng-Xi. But we got is the Hei Feng Xi show featuring the desirable side-chick Bai Feng Xi. Bai Feng Xi was tailing and running around for Hei Feng Xi like she didn't have her own life or journey to do.
Meanwhile, Hei Feng Xi was the boring Good Boy with Daddy Issues and Brotherly Feuds. Placing the focus on him was a mistake. They set him up as smart with a spy network and he couldn't even resolve his own problems. He also got tricked way too many times to be considered smart.
There was also a lame side plot mysterious and a piss-poor make a shift villain. Oh the villain, don't get me started. He was so boring and played "Looks Nice But is Evil" card.
The reason this drama gets 6.5 was that it was still watchable for the FIRST HALF, the actors were pretty to look at (yeah I went there) and had good heroic moments but that is just about it. The costumes were nice and cinematography wasn't bad. Very disappointing overall considering this was my MOST anticipated drama of the year. Oh well, boo hoo for me. I guess I will go find something else.
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Actually I began to be a bit bored around the last 5 episodes but anyway I decided to watch it and I'm so happy I did that because in the 150 dramas I've seen in my life this one has the Best.Ending.Ever. Seriously, I can't get over it.
I'll stop here and one last thing. Watch this show.
( Sorry for the mistakes there could be, English is not my maternal language.. )
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A respectable attempt at a remake, but misses the mark in some crucial ways.
The original Korean version of this story was already sort of short on actual substance. As a story it has very simple moving parts, and the engine that drives everything else is the magnetic fiery attraction between the ML and FL. It is the centerpiece of the drama. The Japanese version tamps down that fire, and lacks the same level of chemistry, which is a huge mistake, because it sucks what precious little substance there is right out of the story and leaves you feeling like you watched some empty avant garde show about nothing.Sure there's some chemistry in the Japanese version, and the ML and FL look like they could share a nice wicked kiss in an elevator or something. But in the Korean version, the ML and FL look like they are always 3 seconds away from leaping over the table and attacking eachother right there on the floor. This is a CRUCIAL difference in the shows. The whole POINT of it is that the ML is a player, and the FL makes him completely unable to be impartial or emotionally divorced from their insane attraction. She knocks him off his game, and he tries to hide that from her. Whereas in the Japanese version, the ML feels enigmatic and calculating, smooth and controlled. His eyes don't have that wild dark animal look for her. What he looks like is a womanizer who finds that the FL tugs at his heartstrings. That's a totally different dynamic, and one that doesn't work for this story.
So we have two totally different ML's. And we also have two totally different FL's -- In the Korean version, the FL is capable of seeing her world through the glasses of realism and caution, but at the end of the day she is a free spirit, and she is unconventional and independent. When she gives in to her attraction to the ML, it feels like she's liberating herself; shedding a restrictive part of herself that gives her pure relief and joy to take off... like she's flying. That's not the essence of the Japanese character's FL. When the Japanese FL gets together with the ML, it feels like she's driven by wild impulse that frightens her when she confronts it. She doesn't feel the sensation of flying, she feels the sensation of vertigo. She worries, she becomes insecure, she doubts herself and doubts him.
I can see how they tried to create a good artistic take on the original, but you can't make a story that's supposed to be about a wild powerful intense attraction, and then dial down the actual attraction between the ML and FL and expect to faithfully recreate the story. The Japanese version is "sexy" but that's not enough for this story. It needs pure fire to drive it, or else it loses its original meaning.
And what stylist dressed these actors, it's completely god-awful.
Korean version = better version
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Most underrated drama series! If you love deity kind of fantasy drama you must watch!
Similar to the two Three Lives Three World series (Ten Miles of Peach Blossom & Love of Dream), this show has a fantasy background (talking about deity). The story probably similar to Eternal Love of Dream (an older god with a young god) but the production is very similar to Eternal Love! Which if you simply enjoy these two you will enjoy this too!Due to its similarity, people will tend to compare these few, but I personally think it is almost as good as both of them. People tend to pinpoint on the male lead's appearance but honestly he is the perfect fit for the role, his acting skills has proven himself being the best actor for this character. Also with the female lead, regardless of being so much younger (as compared to male lead), her crying scenes were so on point that makes the viewers heart broken. I LOVE the main actor and actress, they were sooooooo good!
Some things I love about the show: The couple's chemistry and the love story :) An old guy who never feel love before and a girl who was always expressing her puppy love to win his heart. The two main leads was protecting each other from the start to the end (even when they hardly know each other), then they fall in love, grow stronger and fighting their ways to be together. You will laugh with them, cry with them and cringe so much (in a good way) whenever they were saying their devoted lines! But the two of them were just so cute that you don't mind watching them being lovey dovey at all times. Side couples were very pretty hilarious too that even though the show was sad, you will have a great laugh from time to time.
If I were to pick on something for this show, it might be some parts where the logic wasn't that clear, and the ending is a bit rush, without proper explanation. Oh and I personally don't quite like having too much of the "mortal life", it became a bit draggy, because I personally enjoy watching them as deity instead of a mortal; or maybe I just don't like watching the female lead with the second guy, that's all haha!
But other than that, this show was REALLY GOOD, one of the best Chinese drama I've ever watched, very worth watching! I'm glad that I watched it and I will miss it a lot!!! :)
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1Suspension of disbelief needed, and not because of the fantasy elements.
I’m usually one to say that we cannot excuse lackluster execution simply based on the short length of a show. Here though, I feel like that was truly the biggest issue, and no matter how they would try to approach the story, it would not improve much without additional minutes of runtime.The story itself, the premise and idea behind it - great. It was truly a refreshing concept for a BL. Dealing with past trauma was the major theme in the show, but I feel like we get to that idea only by the end of the show. That’s when it hit me and the ending made a perfect scene in the context of the whole drama.
How about romance? It was decent. Lee Hyun Jun and Moon Ji Yong had a rather good and natural chemistry, but the way Shin Jae Woo was written made it hard for me to truly appreciate their scenes together. His antics and rather child-like demeanor makes more sense by the end of the show, but it still makes it hard for me to see them as more than just friends.
The thing about Shin Jae Woo’s character - he acted like his younger self. At times, I felt like his behavior as a child in the past, and now the grown up did not differ that much. Did it make his interaction with Ji Hoon cute and entertaining? Yes. Did it interfere with the romance for me? Also yes.
Then there was also the problem of realistic progression of the feelings. I kept asking myself “when, why and how did Ji Hoon fall for Jae Woo?”. They barely meet, Jae Woo was acting borderline creepy and weird around Ji Hoon. Does the guy just have a peculiar taste in men? Not to mention the strength of the feelings. My man, you barely met this guy. This is not a Shakespearean story to have people deeply in love on the first meeting.
That was one of the issues we usually have to deal with when watching short BLs. I kind of started to accept that, but it’s still worth pointing out with hopes of improvements in the future.
I have some thoughts about the ending, you can find them in a comment under spoiler below. Overall… I’m just not completely sure I understand the mechanics of it… It was also the part that made me question how far I am supposed to ignore logic and reality.
Acting wise, better than many K-BLs. Were these groundbreaking performances? No. They were believable though, and that’s all I need. Moon Ji Yong for sure did the best, especially in the last episode - one scene truly impressed me.
The OST - perfection. All songs worthy of being added to a playlist to listen outside of the show. “Time” was my favorite. The melody and the vocals were just amazing.
Overall, it was fun. I liked the characters and their interactions. I wish the show was longer so the pacing would feel more natural, and the relationship progression would not feel so abrupt.
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