Quantcast
Jul 25, 2024
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Should have been a special episode only…

Or they should have focused more on Haiba Jin’s point of view. It just did not have much substance for it to be this long.

While I still enjoyed all the episodes, the excitement and anticipation from season one was not there. The whole season felt like a filler. There was not much change in the characters, their dynamics, little to no plot/relationships progression. It was just cute and funny scenes with overall maybe 20 minutes of important things happening that had some impact on the plot. Hence it would be better as a longer special episode.

I wish we had a whole season of what we saw in the last episode - finally getting to know Haiba Jin’s side of the story, his struggles. A little bit more of his serious side. Sadly, the majority of the screen time was still us watching Ochiai Mikoto through Haiba Jin’s eyes. More touches, more romantic scenes and more mutual feelings, but somehow I wished for more character’s progression…

I’d be lying if I said I did not enjoy it though. Hashimoto Ryo as Haiba Jin is unreasonably attractive so no matter what he did, I was glued to the screen. Takaishi Akari as Ochiai Mikoto was just as charming (if not even more) as in season one and her witty remarks and breaking the 4th wall comments brought smiles and laughter to my face. I did like how her gloomy nature did not magically vanish between the seasons - the girl is still depressed, but she is getting so much better now, one smile at the time.

I love the visuals and how at times not in touch with reality the show was. I’m sure I’m not the only one who got addicted to the quirky tone Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi presents.

Overall, it was not bad, but it has nothing on season 1. Felt like a transition phase, which might be the case if they decide to do season 3.

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Completed
Back to 1989
20 people found this review helpful
by Jenn
Jun 25, 2016
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I'm going to start off by saying that I don't usually watched dramas while they're airing, but I did with Back to 1989, so I feel as though I might be more bias in my review since I've watched the characters grow each week, which is much different from marathoning and seeing their growth in a few days.

I really fell attached with BT1989 and everything about it. There was a great blend of everything: family, first love, regrets, difficulties.. it was definitely my cup of tea. In my few years of drama watching, I've never heard of a plot like this drama. It's interesting, captivating, though quite confusing the more you think about it. It was so interesting to see how everything played out, and the writers definitely didn't let us down. However, TRIGGER WARNING for anyone uncomfortable with sexual assault. I did feel as though it got draggy near the end with the romance, but it was still an enjoyable watch. Many plot twists occurred that I didn't expect, and it had me on the edge of my seats with the different camera angles and shots. All the characters, as I've mentioned, I've become so attached with. While some were annoying at times, they each bring something important to the story. They made me laugh, cry, and shake my head in disbelief of how insane they were. We got your innocent and clumsy female lead and your smart and cool handsome male lead along with an adorable second couple and the awkward side characters that bring humour to any awkward situation, making it more awkward.

Some people really stood out with their acting, especially our second lead couple, which includes our second female lead Mini Tsai, and our second male lead Yorke Sun, both of whom I now adore their acting. It was nice seeing Ivy Shao play a different character from her cunning one in When I See You Again. However, I had mixed feelings on the main lead, Marcus Chang, though it was his first main role, so I still give him some credit. His crying made me laugh more than feel pity, but i could definitely see his improvement as the episodes progressed. Still not the best crier though, haha.

Besides the main theme song (you'll understand...), i loved the OST! I don't listen to them on a regular basis, but they suited the drama so well. They actually had hit songs from 1989, which was perfect for making it seem more realistic, along with a variety of songs that really scream Back to 1989. Besides Alien Huang, the rest were by more underrated or newer artists, so I was definitely intrigued. Now that I've finished the drama, I suddenly realize how amazing the soundtrack really is.

Overall, it has its flaws; it has a confusing conclusion with many issues still not explained, along with some draggy parts, but i loved this drama. It's what I looked forward to every Friday, and it was well produced, and it brought the feeling back of why i love Asian dramas. I'm so glad I found this, and I hope i persuaded some of you to watch it.

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Completed
Sungkyunkwan Scandal: Special
20 people found this review helpful
Nov 19, 2013
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
First of all, sorry if I make any grammar mistakes, English is not my first language.

This is a re-creation of the full drama, It's like watching the drama in two hours, the purpose of this special is to put focus on the relationship between Lee Sun Joon and Kim Yoon Shik (Kim Yoon He), you're not going to see anything related to the Geum Deung Ji Sa or the Red Messenger, and because of this, several scenes were cut but still I think that the story make sense.

They didn't put so much effort in showing the friendship between Joseon F4, and you should forget the wicked Ha In Soo because he appears only once in two hours.

The description says that there are interviews and behind-the-scenes but to be honest, I didn't see them, perhaps it was because I saw it in a Korean film festival.

That's it. If you already have watched the drama, you're going to see again those beautiful moments of Sun Joon and Yoon Shik <3 and If you are not sure about the plot, or 20 episodes are too much for you, just enjoy this special ^^

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Completed
The Princess's Man
19 people found this review helpful
Mar 16, 2013
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
For me, The Princess Man is the best Korean drama that I have seen hitherto. From what I understand, it is a fictionalization of that time in Korean history when King Sejong usurped the throne from his very young nephew. Against this backdrop, the scriptwriters has sagaciously written a timeless, compelling and unforgettable love story of two young lovers ?both virtuous, courageous and intelligent in their own right? caught in a web of “deadly” political strife between their two families. I heard that this drama is Korea’s answer to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but there is so much character given to the two young lovers in this drama that I see it more like what Romeo and Juliet could have been if they were more developed.

In the beginning, the developing love story between the two lovers is very bright, innocent, and cheerful. However, unbeknownst to both, the insidious darkness that would eventually overshadow and overtake their courtship is also almost present from the beginning. I think the writers did a fine job of developing both the love story and the political strife simultaneously thus bringing both storylines to a culmination when both become dangerously and tragically entangled. It is also commendable the way the writers were able to seamlessly take the innocent premise of the genesis of the lovers’ courtship and turn it into a fatal circumstance, which almost proved fatal to the hero early in the story. It reinforces the way the seemingly “innocent” actions of the characters in this story can lead to unforeseeable and dire consequences.

As the story progressed along tragic lines, the love between the main couple begins to mature and truly shine as their affection and loyalty to each other is tested in the cruelest fashion. The best part about this is that both are fully aware of their morbid circumstances. They are not blinded by love. Both are fully aware of their duty to their families and try to abide by it even in spite of the deep love they share for each other. Nevertheless, as the injustices perpetrated by her father multiplied, the heroine is forced to take a stand of her own accord in answer to her own conscience.

Although this drama is remarkably well done, I think the thing that impressed me most is the deeply stirring love story. There aren’t a lot of love scenes compared to other Kdrama but every love scene that was done was meaningful, memorable, compelling, and brimming with chemistry. I really enjoyed the fact that both lovers were loyal and steadfast in their regard for each other from beginning to end even when there was little expectation that their love would see a happy conclusion. The love that they shared had that “against all odds” element to it. I also appreciated that the obstacles that kept them apart were valid and convincing rather than contrived like in a lot of other Kdrama. For once I didn’t have to roll my eyes while watching a kdrama.

I’ve seen all of Moon Chae Won’s drama where she’s played the lead including her most recent from 2012. I like her best in this drama most likely because of the character Se Ryung who, for me, is one of the best characters to grace the small screen in Kdrama. I think she did a fantastic job with Se Ryung’s character. I will never forget her. I’ve also seen all of Park Si Hoo’s drama except the one before The Princess Man. I like him best in this drama. His transformation from the bright charismatic Seung Yoo to the tragic Seung Yoo was well done in my opinion and I enjoyed it very much. While I like both characters independently, I love them best when they interact with each other. Their chemistry is extremely palpable. I don’t know if it might be due to the possibility that both actors became one with their characters but the emotional tenderness that they brought to the interactions between Seung Yoo and Se Ryung seemed so real that it astonishes. I think the acting from these two added immensely to unforgettable love story between Se Ryung and Seung Yoo.

The OST is poignantly beautiful. Every single song is germane to the love story and the producers used them effectively throughout the drama. Although it might seen like a particular song is repeated too often, it is only the case because it is relevant to the character or what is happening in the story at the time. For instance, "One Day of Love" is played a lot with Seung Yoo but that's because the song speaks of Seung Yoo's "sad fate" and his struggles over his love for the enemy's daughter. "I Love You Too" was often played in the beginning of the drama because at that time Se Ryung felt that her love was unrequited. "Goodbye My Love" is played only when the two couples in this story face the threat of permanent separation. The Italian theme "Destino" is used as a harbinger of doom and is very effective in heightening the chills that the drama gives off in grave scenes. Overall, the soundtrack is one of the best I've come across.

In conclusion, this drama has earned my earnest respect and appreciation. It is definitely my favorite Korean drama and unquestionably one of the best love story I have ever had the good fortune to watch accross all genre of fiction.

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Completed
Oasis
20 people found this review helpful
Jun 29, 2013
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
A truly difficult, insightful, and a moving masterpiece. Despite the low ratings on MDL (7.17), the film is slow with limited romance but it needs every ounce of your attention to be seen as a wondrous film. For those who find it hard to watch an actress transforms herself into a handicapped woman who suffers celebral palsy and how a discriminating society treats these outcasters, I do not recommend to watch this type of film.

This film inspires others on what true love exactly means and how their love for each other is shunned and looked down upon within society. Not everything in this film is simple and easy on the eyes to watch especially certain behaviors portrayed by the male actor and the suffering mental illness of the main female lead.

So-ri Moon's performance was outstanding. She truly shined that made others believe she actually has cerebral palsy. Kyung-gu Sol also transforms into a character who behaves and thinks like a 8-10 year old boy who is evidently in an almost-thirty year old body.

Why watch this film? To be honest, this film is not a typical Saturday night and needs to be seen in a mature yet understanding manner. If you have an interest in social and discriminating issues within society, this film is definitely for you.

What's my favourite scene? It is when So-ri Moon's character imagines herself as a normal human being in front of Kyung-gu Sol's character. It also portrays how their love truly exists and how they long for each other even when their families disagree with their relationship and attempts to destruct it completely.

Love is for everyone even for these odd couple.

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Completed
Sweet Trap
20 people found this review helpful
Feb 14, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.5

Complicated

Firstly, I watch this series because of Zhang Miaoyi.
After watching her in Exclusive Fairytale, When I Fly Towards You, Back to Seventeen, and Please Don't Spoil Me, I really felt the urge to watch this one.

It's all about love and hate here. Hence why it becomes soo complicated.
This drama told me that we can have more than one feeling to each other.
We can be enemies even we love each other, and any other complicated things from human relationships.

I can't say that I like this drama but the fact that every episode always engage me to watch the next episodes till the end is crazy. I never get boring once, just make it faster with 2× speed.

So, there's no any regrets after watching it. The ending is quite satisfying too.
There's no cringe scenes for me, the romance is enough too. Not too sweet but also not so plain. Everything is just make sense here.
They deserve more attention.

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Completed
Flavour It's Yours
20 people found this review helpful
by aisyhq
Dec 1, 2019
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Have you ever watched dramas that definitely deliver the characters' top notch chemistry? Flavour, It's Yours definitely in my list!

Plot :
It's a bit slow for me. It is so-so until its last few episodes, since I feel the need to anticipate how they untangle everything. The cause of her curse (being tasteless) is interesting for me. It jumps from comedic relief to drama to mystery to a bit thrilling moments. I think we should have no problem about it (fast forward button exists). I don't think I'm a fan of winery industry, but again, it's not really a big deal. It's fascinating enough to actually be exposed about new things.

Acting/ Cast :
Everyone is good. I just freaking LOVE OUR MAIN COUPLE THE OTHER COUPLE & EVERYONE I'M JUST FILLED WITH LOVE. I LOVE SONG YIREN SHE IS SO CUTE TOGETHER WITH SIMON! I'm—

I would love to see them again in another project. Simon's transition of character, I love it. He isn't expressionless, he's not monotonous. They look so comfortable with each other I SHIP SO MUCH *sigh* I love how everything is delivered well that I can feel the closeness btwn the main characters. Male characters in dramas ususally act cold & sometimes it makes me, as a viewer doesn't feel their chemistry on screen. But this one, my heart sometimes leapt lol I anticipated their scenes together in every episode.

I will definitely re-watch it (with a fast forward button, of course). I don't think my heart can take it, the fact Simon will be in another project with others because, Lu WeiXun & He BuZui are one of the best on screen couple!

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Completed
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese
20 people found this review helpful
by Joymi
Feb 21, 2021
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 10

One of those underrated masterpieces

I saw a review saying that the movie might just have been a porno becauee of the graphic sexual content. I can't express how far over one's head the message of the movie might have gone for one to come to that conclusion.

I was shaken with tears after watching this. It gives off such a heartwrenching, melancholy, gritty, yet hopeful vibe that had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters are deeply flawed and relationship is toxic. But that's fine with me, because they don't romantize it. One of the leads tells a story of how how badly your dishonesty with yourself can hurt other people around you. The other tells a story of how badly your honesty with your feelings might hurt you, even though you have no control over them. It's a haunting image of how hard reality can knock you to the ground.

The music was really nothing special, it could have done pretty fine witout it. I feel like the plot itself is fine, but it's not what drives the story; it's the characters. One thing I loved about them was how well contrasted the characters' motivations were. One's was simple and raw, the other's complex and devious. It could not have been possible to portray this the way it was portrayed without the marvellous acting. I have not read the book so I don't know how much was changed, but the actors carried out their scripted personalities like it was a dance on roses.

This movie deserves you time. Just maybe don't watch it if you're feeling for something light hearted tonight.

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Love in Disguise
20 people found this review helpful
Aug 27, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I really thought this movie was cute & sweet. I loved the idea of a soulmate through music. The acting was not like amazing but the actors conveyed the emotions of the characters well. The story was very uplifting & joyful. I really enjoyed it & will watch it again b/c it made me feel happiness.
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Completed
Guardian
20 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2018
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
When I found Guardian I was totally amazed by this Chinese series and I've never really seen much of Chinese shows before because it just wasn't my thing. Well Guardian changed that.

Story: I can tell you that the story itself may take 1-2 episodes to grow on you but it will. Mostly the show relies on the chemistry between the two main characters/actors though. The story is quite fantasy like and supernatural and definitely something different than the usual rom-com stuff you get everywhere. And over its 40 episode run there is not a single minute that does not fit into the storyline and atmosphere of Guardian. You get drama, action, comedy, sweetness, pretty much all of it!

Acting: The casting for the drama was done perfectly and the chemistry between the main leads is over the top. 80% of the shows awesomeness comes from them. The rest of the cast was superb too and you really forget that these characters do not actually exist somewhere.

Music: memorable, recommendable and I'm totally into it. One awesome fantasy song and one touching ending song will especially stay in your mind.

Rewatch: definitely when I have time.

Overall: for everyone who watches Chinese shows, check this out. For everyone who hasn't tried any or many Chinese shows, this is a great show to start.

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The Royal Gambler
20 people found this review helpful
by Scroll
Jul 5, 2016
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
Should you take a gamble and watch this? Here are the odds that you will like it: The twists and turns this goes through had me cheering and stomping my feet. Long term plotting and scheming that spans decades and life/death choices made instantly by the flip of the coin. Everything is a gamble or can be staked. Everyone has a secret and an agenda except the two brothers who are in the middle of a Cold War.

The story really got to me. The gambling was what drove everything and extremely well displayed story wise and cinematically, making the drama super exciting. This is not a romance! At all! So don't expect anything, no matter how it starts. Be prepared to loose everything and everyone or don't hit that play button. However, you might want to know that this drama is well produced from start to finish and everything is wrapped up nicely and satisfyingly at the end.

Fantastic photo! So incredibly cool. The OST was also suitably dramatic. Brilliant acting by full cast, especially by Lee Moon Shik and Jang Geun Suk.

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Completed
Rookies
20 people found this review helpful
by Xuro
May 11, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Wow, this drama was pure brillaince. The start was fast pace and even when it seemed slow you were so caught up in the moment that it didnt bring down the movie.

Although some may say this drama was too emotional I believe that its a good thing, these kids went from fighting over nothing to fighting for their dream. I feel that this movie struck every chord that I expected and even hit some key points that I didnt expect. The tone of the movie switches well and I have to admit that I seriously stayed up at night telling myself "only one more episode." This drama is in my top 10.

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Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
20 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

⚔️ Unbreakable Bonds and Unforgettable Friendships: A 'Fox'-ceptional Sequel

It's rare for a second season to surpass the first, let alone do it in a way that doesn't compromise the canon set up by the original. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 does this exceptionally well. It manages to retain all the elements that made season one great: flawed. complex and intriguing main characters (Lee Yeon and Lee Rang) and their wounded but unbreakable bond, the rich fantasy world-building, and the deeply interwoven native folklores. However, it surpasses the original with improved pacing, a tighter plot, and significantly better villains and backstory.

The original's biggest flaw was a weak villain and the vague backstory of FL's parents, which left us with unanswered questions and plot holes. With 1938, the villains are more coherent, although we are still left with some unanswered questions regarding one of them (presumably to be addressed in the third season?). The backstory of the villains is better fleshed out, adding to the compelling threat they pose. Despite being a fantasy where the outcome is fairly assured, the series manages to raise the stakes against our heroes and presents them with a daunting task.

Much of the enjoyment comes from the excellent chemistry between the characters. Beyond the remarkable camaraderie between the Lee brothers, the fellowship among the Mountain god trio is equally engaging. The humour is on point, with comedic situations and witty dialogue. The tone seamlessly shifts between humor and intrigue, poignant and thrilling. No moment is wasted, and even side characters and their stories are well-integrated into the overarching narrative.

I must admit that some of the flaws from the writer are still present in this season, mainly a tendency to leave a trail of apparent plot holes. While it's slightly less overt in season 2, it remains noticeable. In season 1, it mainly revolved around the parents' storyline and the reincarnation concept. In season 2, the lack of clear discussion over Moo Young's brother's atrocities is a glaring plot hole, especially considering the flashback showing him attacking Moo Young himself. It could have been addressed with a scene that demonstrates why Moo Young is confident in his brother's innocence.

The one main flaw of S1 was Lee Yeon and Ji Ah's relationship. It was perhaps a combination of weak writing (it relied too heavily on her past self rather than developing the relationship with the present character) and a lack of chemistry between them. (That being said, I was still able to enjoy their relationship because LDW is just that adorable.) S2 is better precisely because it stays true to S1, our nine-tailed fox loves for life, so his chemistry with Hong Joo make for an uncomplicated, witty and enjoyable friendship. Kim So Yeon steals every scene she's in, exhibiting great chemistry with all her co-stars. The treat was seeing Lee Rang's love story, although his surprise power raises more questions that will hopefully be addressed in Season 3.

As someone who was initially wary of a sequel, I was amazed by the quality of this season and now find myself longing for Season 3.

9.5/10

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Completed
Akai Ito
20 people found this review helpful
Aug 30, 2011
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This drama isn't as spectacular as I thought it was going to be. The episodes were only 36 min. but they felt longer just because the story was a little slow at times. I was disappointed, that although the leads were suppose to have this great romance, they only dated briefly before breaking up. Then they spent the rest of the drama a part. So it was kind of hard to feel for them and want them together in the end. I actually liked the stories of the supporting cast much more than the actual romance. The ending could have been done better as well. Still, this is just a great drama to watch when you've seen the better J romance dramas.

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Les Belles
20 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Feb 23, 2025
26 of 26 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Chasing Freedom, Finding Love: A Journey of the Heart.

This is the tale of Luo Ling Yu, a young woman determined to escape an arranged marriage, not only to protect her parents' legacy but also, later on, to safeguard her own freedom. Along her journey, she repeatedly crosses paths with Lu Yun, and their fates gradually become entwined.

It’s a classic costume drama, filled with humor, charm, chemistry, slightly caricatural antagonists, and engaging intrigue, everything we expect and love from this type of series. I wouldn’t say it reinvents the genre, because it doesn’t, but it’s a well-crafted story that allows us to follow Luo Ling Yu’s journey with excitement as she bravely fights for her freedom. She’s such a delight to watch: bold, endearing, and unafraid to go after what she wants, including the people she cares about. It’s refreshing, especially when so many female leads tend to take a more passive role when it comes to love.

Lu Yun, on the other hand, is the definition of a green flag: sweet, protective, and sometimes adorably jealous. But what I appreciate most is how both he and Luo Ling Yu actively are supporting each other in moments of doubt.

Beyond just the romance, what truly makes this drama shine is its compelling and multi-dimensional characters. The princes and noble ladies aren’t just decorative figures in the background, they have their own ambitions, struggles, and personal growth that make them feel real and engaging. Some of the friendships and relationships are particularly beautiful to witness, like that of Prince Heng Yang and Luo Ling Yu, whose bond is built on mutual respect and understanding. Their dynamic, along with many others in the series, adds emotional depth that makes the story even richer.

I won’t reveal more about the plot, but if you’re looking for something lighthearted, cute, and full of romance, this drama is absolutely worth your time.

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