Quantcast
Completed
Play Me
23 people found this review helpful
by NLE
Aug 3, 2026
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

A Cute and Adorable Heartwarming Reunion That Hits All the Right Notes

Even though each episode is only around 15 minutes, this series never feels like one of those low budget Korean BLs you usually find on YouTube. The pacing is surprisingly smooth, the production is well done, and every episode makes really good use of its short runtime.

The story follows Jung Yihyun and Kang Jaewon, who first met in high school but drifted apart because of a misunderstanding. Years later, life has taken them down very different paths. Yihyun steps away from his successful acting career after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, while Jaewon is forced to put his own acting dream on hold as he struggles financially and juggles multiple part time jobs. Fate eventually brings them back together, giving them another chance to reconnect and possibly heal some of the wounds from their past.

I really loved the flashbacks to their high school days because they added so much to the story and helped build the emotional connection between them. It made their history feel much more meaningful and gave their reunion more impact. The background music also fits the mood beautifully, especially during the more emotional scenes.

And honestly, both lead actors are ridiculously handsome. Their chemistry is so good, and they are just SO cute and adorable together. I found myself smiling so many times whenever they were on screen. Their little moments together were definitely one of my favourite parts of the series.

This may not be the most groundbreaking BL story out there, but that honestly does not matter to me because I had such a good time watching it. It is light, sweet, comforting, and incredibly easy to binge. The first few episodes pulled me in, and by the end I was completely invested in Yihyun and Jaewon's relationship. I was genuinely sad when it finished because I wanted more of them.

Overall, this was such a cute and enjoyable watch, and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for something easy, romantic, and comforting. You can watch it on iQIYI.

If you enjoy misunderstandings, high school first love, reunion romances, characters who keep crossing paths, second chances, good chemistry, and short episodes that are incredibly easy to binge, definitely give this one a try. I really enjoyed it and I'm so glad I watched it!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match
23 people found this review helpful
Aug 19, 2015
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 10
This was a completely fun Thai drama I've become a avid fan of Puttichai Put's growing body of work and his performance in this will not let you down. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the dramas in this four part series. Fun storyline and fun casting are poured into this. I was able to find it translated on youtube I hope at some point Viki will add this into their line up for I really hope they expand soon on their collection of dramas / lakorns from Thailand.

The music in this pretty much had like it's main theme song that carried through it. But as far as rewatch value goes it's one of those fun and short dramas you could watch again and again for it didn't have annoying crazy girls or overly evil mother or any of that it was just a fun watch on young relationships and friendships I'd give it a 10 on it being a current view on Thailand dating.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Liberation Notes
23 people found this review helpful
by Figgo
Jun 25, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Like Reading A Collection of Diaries

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I picked up this drama because I had a headache and wanted to watch something calm. I had it on while doing other things; I didn't think I would pay too much attention to it. However, it drew me in and I found myself completely focused on this drama.

Acting/Cast: I wasn't sure about the cast at first, but they all really grew on me. I may not have necessarily personally liked certain characters, but they all felt very believable and well-acted. I really related to the younger sister, Mi Jeong, a nice, soft-spoken girl with some talent who repeatedly gets taken advantage of. I also felt empathetic towards the older sister, Gi Jeong, watching her try so hard to make a change and take risks, only to keep getting knocked down and publicly humiliated. I would say the brother, Chang Hui, and his storyline was probably the most annoying, but even that storyline, I didn't feel as though I wanted to skip over it. 5.5/10

Writing: I knew this drama was written by the same person that wrote My Ahjusshi, Park Hae Young (which I really enjoyed), so of course I was comparing the two dramas the entire time. This drama is dialogue heavy, especially compared with My Ahjusshi, which is something I typically don't like. However, I felt the dialogue was purposeful and listening to the characters expressing their thoughts was like reading a diary. Also, this drama is not dramatic at all, whereas My Ahjusshi had some intense scenes. It's very "slice-of-life"; very relatable. However, I think that those who have never struggled with depression may not relate to or enjoy this drama. In addition, this drama is very open-ended, more so than My Ahjusshi. Nothing is truly resolved in My Liberation Notes for any of the characters and this is completely intentional. Do I understand why? Yes. Do I like it? No, but I usually don't like open endings. While watching My Ahjusshi (it's been a while but...), I remember wishing I could just skip over the side stories; the main story was way more interesting to me. However, with My Liberation Notes, I had no desire to skip over any of the storylines. There's a time jump towards the end of the drama that was a bit jarring. I think it's because things drastically changed without preparing the viewers for it. Also, the story wasn't linear anymore and kept jumping back and forth between past and present. I liked the Mr. Gu character, but he wasn't nearly developed as much as the other main characters. In consequence, his character felt sort of hollow towards the end of the drama. I thought we would get more back story on him but unfortunately, we never do. In any case, this drama seems like it's based on a true story, but to my knowledge, it isn't...it just feels very realistic. So in that sense, the writing is well done. 8/10

Direction/SFX/Music: The vibe of this drama actually reminded me of Something In the Rain rather than My Ahjusshi. My Ajhusshi felt much darker. Maybe also similar to One Spring Night or Twelve Nights, except with a ton of dialogue. The OST is not my cup of tea but its fine. It has some variation to it. Listening to the OST on its own seems like the drama would be a lot happier than it actually is though. 5/10

Entertainment Value: This drama put me into a weird state of mind. There have been times when watching certain dramas would trigger depression in me. However, what I felt while watching this drama wasn't exactly depression or sadness and it wasn't quite calmness or hopefulness either. It was a strange in-between. Maybe melancholy? I found myself slowing down my movements, even my breathing. It was to the point where I was holding my breath in a lot...sort of like when you're sick or injured and you're trying to avoid exacerbating the pain. I never experienced an effect from a drama like this before. I didn't know if I liked this feeling or not, but I must have to some degree because I kept wanting to jump back into their world. Now that it's over, I'm not missing that feeling...I think. Anyway, I found myself hanging onto every word Mi Jeong spoke. I saw myself in her, but with one major difference - she seemed to have discovered the answer to her problems. I was looking to her for a revelation, but I'm still unsure of the hidden answer that she seems to have found. But then again, maybe she didn't actually find it...maybe she's just on the right path. I still don't understand how though. So, the drama left me feeling unfulfilled. 6/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 6/10. This is largely due to how incredibly open the ending itself is (as I personally tend to dislike open endings) and the change in the progression of the drama towards the end. A rating of 6 and above is in the "would recommend" zone, and yes I would recommend this drama if you like the slice-of-life genre. However, I think someone who hasn't struggled with depression may not like this drama and may find the characters annoying. I was able to relate a lot to them though.

I made a music video featuring Mi Jeong and Mr. Gu. It's called "My Liberation Notes | Mi Jeong + Mr. Gu | Greedy" and my channel name is The Enablers (@theenablers3846).

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Only for Love
23 people found this review helpful
Nov 23, 2023
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

Only for fun and entertainment

If you want watch this drama with a mind set of fun and entertaining base then it will be totally fun for you from the starting to end you will always smile,giggle with second hand embarrassment... This drama didn't have any major plot just simple cold CEO and flirty reporter fall in love that's it...

I'm bailu fan after she pick this project I read this novel and love it and read it so many times maybet this is also reason for me love this drama....
Both lulu and didi portrayed their role very well 👍🏻👍🏻
Whatever but from ep 31 -36 I'm totally satisfied 👍🏻❤❤❤ I'm doubt about lulu and didi chemistry bcs those who watch KR will know how funny person this two but they exclude my doubt ....lulu and didi chemistry on fire 🔥🔥🔥both of them WOW🤩🤩🔥
And I'm totally enjoyed this drama... Yess they dragged a little but i love it too bcs I'm also novel reader they indeed follow the novel but in middle part the screenwriter mess up the FL character but they make up for the ending...
And they cut so many kiss scenes bcs of this drama airing on satellite TV so they have to cut hot kiss scenes 😫😫

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Nevertheless,
23 people found this review helpful
by Dani
Aug 21, 2021
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

No development, no depth, no meaning, but nevertheless, love, I guess...

What a waste of potencial, seriously. I don't understand how they took 10 episodes with the FML being the same as she was in the beginning: a girl with an insecurity about relationships. I liked Nabi in the first episodes because for me she's a real character and her emotions are really genuine. But we're talking about a drama, and us as viewers, especially women's, wanted a good development for her. Every character in any drama needs to be developed because we have to know that these characters learn something about the difficulties they were into. What Nabi really needed was a good time ALONE, to focus on herself but it seems like the message that this drama wanted to pass to us is that even Nabi being insecure about Jaeeon`s feelings and even him hurting her in many ways she just likes him so fuck everything. Ofc we can all have insecuritys in any relationship but I think that Nabi ending up with someone she's insecure about and almost went crazy for, was really wrong. At least they could have waited a little more and then, years later, when both characters matured, they could think about being together.

And omg, it was so hard to empathize with Jaeeon. Sure, Nabi knew what she was into and Jaeeon not wanting to date isn't the problem, but a normal person who have a different thought about relationship wouldn't be chasing a girl that thinks way different than him. And beyond that, this character seemed so cynical for me... when answering Nabi's questions about the women he got involved with, he always blamed them, as if they were the ones who were chasing him. When Dohyeok tells him to stop fooling Nabi, he wonders if he could mess with her that much, as if he didn't knew he messes with her. I seriously couldn't understand him at all, even when he seemed to care about her and changed for her. Knetz blamed Song Kang`s acting but actually I think its the script fault as we saw before that Song Kang is in fact, a good actor. The character itself just don't have depth and it doesn't look genuine. For me, we end up not knowing important things about him and thats why I end up not liking him and not understand him. (and the script putting that scene with his mother to try to justify his personality was just cliche as well and not enough for me to understand him, he stills end up with no depth).

Dohyeok for the other side was perfect, but just another perfect SL. Altought I really liked him and preferred him over Jaeeon, Nabi ending up with him would be too forced because she never liked him or gave him any type of signs that she could like him. He really was there just to make Jaeeon`s character jealous. The side characters were definitely more interesting that the main characters and I really liked that we had a LGBT couple, I think that this is the first time I see a LGBT couple in a drama who isn't mainly LGBT.

Nevertheless had interesting topics such as the perspective of not wanting to date, abusive relationships and insecurities, but with main characters not having a good development and being persons who is difficult to empathize, its really hard to enjoy this. We can't say that the main leads doesn't have chemistry, because they really have an insane chemistry, but when we see how this drama is going, even the hot scenes with the main leads and even Song Kang being a really attractive character, things just won't be interesting anymore. And altought the drama tried to portraiy real things, the ending was just cliche as we had one more "problematic"guy who changed himself for the girl he likes. It’s a shame because for me this drama had a lot of potencial. Nabi`s emotions was real and I liked that Jaeeon was a different main lead with a different vision of relationship. They just wasted everything.

PS: One thing I really liked was the cinematography and the OST, they were really good. Besides that, the acting wasn't bad but not the best as well.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
When the Weather Is Fine
23 people found this review helpful
Aug 4, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Why?//

Ok good movie BUT, The lead actress takes off leaving the boy behind then gets (and this is reason for question) no job offers to play music and has tough time making a living in city, so she decided to go back home, but, not because she loves the boy, that is part I can’t figure out, is she just coming back to play with him till a better job comes around? Plus the aunt leaving left questions to her future, just didn’t seem to fill out the final product..if someone has a better view on these issues please let me know..thanks
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
A Round Trip to Love Part 2
23 people found this review helpful
by Jetty
Oct 1, 2016
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Love and Torture is identical, the story is interesting and it comes with such handsome actors.
Some parts needs to clarify and the chemistry of each characters needs some improvement but everything is good and no awkward scenes. It is a must watch if you and i can say that it is worth watching.

OST is really good and dramatic, i swear you're gonna cry after watching it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Safe Zone
23 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 10

There Is A Plot!

I've seen a lot of criticism of My Safe Zone's plot; mainly, viewers saying that there isn't one, which I disagree with. If you're paying attention, the series tells us precisely what it is. Jane is Alin's safe zone, and the series is constructed around that single fact.

What I do agree with is that things moved too quickly. Jane and Alin were put into so many scenarios that we barely had time to recover from the last mishap in their relationship. This threw the series's pacing off. My Safe Zone could have benefited from either more episodes or fewer plot points to keep the story grounded and give the more significant points more time to be explored.

The true gem of My Safe Zone is the chemistry between Lena and Miu; no one can top what they gave us in My Safe Zone. And I'm not referring to the intimate scenes or their great acting performances. They have a give-and-take that I'm sure stems from their longtime friendship, which really gives life and sincerity to Jane and Alin's relationship. I really want to give props to the director for not stifling natural chemistry.

I'm looking forward to their next series, where hopefully they are given a great script with roles that suit them and their abilities.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Two Weeks
23 people found this review helpful
by xzotic
Feb 18, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This was one of the best dramas to be released in the most recent years. It consisted of 16 episodes which I felt were a perfect amount. The drama didn't get repetitive and it provided a lot of tense scenes. The director utilized plot twists very well and used misunderstandings moderately which is a positive.

The story is a very original concept. It's not the cliche "rich snobby man meets humble girl" storyline, and it's also not an thriller/action that doesn't make sense. The director incorporates the tiniest of details into the plot and uses flashbacks to develop the story even further. The characters in the story show an exceptional amount of development especially Jang Tae San. Every episodes ends with a shocking cliffhanger that definitely wants you to keep watching. The dramatic-irony of the drama doesn't irritate you like a lot of dramas might. I'd say the only negative aspect, which doesn't really involve the story, is the melodrama between In Hye and Soo Jin.

The acting and cast, however, do not have any flaws. Scenes were made to be very believable, reaction wise, and I feel each role was chosen well. I especially want to applaud Lee Chae Mi (Seo Soo Jin). She's one of the best child actors I've ever watched. Her scenes were very believable and amazing. Many of the supporting roles were well-played as well which I think is surprising. The cast was variant and large which makes the drama even better.

Now dramas usually don't go wrong with music and Two Weeks didn't negate this idea. The music really enhanced the experience of the drama and the theme "Run" - Nell matches the dramas overall tone.

Overall, I'd give this drama 10. One of the main themes of the drama is about making the right choices. I want to quote Mr. Han, one of the supporting characters, when he says "There's no such thing as a life without regrets." By saying this, the message Two Weeks emphasizes is that there are things you do in your past that you may regret, but what matters is how you correct those past choices in the present, given decisions you're provided with. It's impossible to live life without regretting something, so fix what you feel indebted to. Live your life with meaning and fulfillment, as well as have a goal in mind. This is the moral that I've pulled from the story, and I feel that it teaches many other important themes.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Throne
23 people found this review helpful
Feb 12, 2016
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
An outstanding movie which follows a son-father relationship which is a very infamous story in Korean's history.
The ending isn't a surprise because it's a movie where you go knowing the heartbreaking truth, which is explained by a serie of flashbacks where we see Sado prince since he was little and how the relationship with his father keeps deteriorating with time. We have a proud father and a son who isn't "mad".
The main question who as a viewer you're going to wonder is how can be a son that horrible to try to kill his father or how can be a dad that cruel to kill his son but when you finish the movie you'll realise that there isn't bad guys or good guys.

Last year was Yoo Ah In's year with two great movies which are veteran and the throne, I can't even rate the acting for this movie he did a great job not portraying a simple character instead showing us a complex human which isn't one dimensional. Of course we can't forget Song Kang Ho who is spectacular as always and let us see more than a simple king, it's a great portrayal of a person who is king and dad at the same time. I don't forget the supporting cast and special mention to Moon Geun Young who returns after 9 years to the big screen.

Music it's a haunting song who I keep hearing after watching this workf of art (actually it isn't a song but you'll understand it after watching the movie).

This isn't a movie that I would rewatch once in a while because it really punchs you in the face.

If you like Yoo Ah In or you're interested in korean history and you want a masterpiece this movie is a MUST WATCH.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
It Started with a Kiss
23 people found this review helpful
by palak
Sep 26, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Usually when it comes to various versions of a drama, I never play favorites. I’ve always believed that each version brings out it’s own culture and ideals and creativity. But I have to say that ISWAK is much better than Playful Kiss, especially in terms of acting. Zhi Shu is more expressive and treats her better. Like, you can totally tell he’s fallen for her but won’t admit it. Baek Seung Joo was a bit…blank? (although more handsome). Most of the time it felt like he only tolerated her because she threw herself on him. Zhi Shu, on the other hand, was cold but there were still moments where you could tell he was struggling with his feelings for her.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Princess of Lanling King
23 people found this review helpful
by CalisL
Dec 21, 2016
47 of 47 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
FOREWORD: The heavy symbolism throughout, made the story line very beautiful to finish and understand. This isn't just another shallow love story, as all the main characters are just as important in telling the story's themes of appreciation/regret and the 'mask' we all wear... and of course love, not just romantic love.
NOW the proTAGoNIST (yes, the wonderfully played protagonist) seems dainty... but she's clever, she's charming and she's a strong woman! Although she has an innately childish personality and voice, it's strangely full of maturity and soul as you watch on. Great voice acting on the main actress' part ^^
OK let's get right into it!

BACKGROUND HISTORY:
When watching this drama, I kept in mind that in Chinese history, Lanling general/king (not emperor) is a respected hero. It is commonly perceived that his courageous but tragic story cannot be told without its raging war and the political struggle for power, which is a central theme to the patriarchy society at the time. YET it's also been said that the tale of Lanling king is about his regret, for being too late to realise and appreciate his wife's affection, and thus his infamous love/longing. (Ambition & fighting wars had his undivided attention.)

STORYLINE/CHARACTERS:
The plot is well written and revealed in successive surprises as the story goes on; subtle moments reveal every character's vulnerable side at completely unexpected moments, moulding interesting personalities. The character relationships are quite in-depth, but at times low-key to pick up on and read into. (May I say that the chemistry between all the characters, not just love interests, are really well done!) Often there are correlations made when a character replied using the exact same words/meaning, said by another character earlier on, and thus there would be a twist in the meaning in the character's relationship with another. And I really dig that technique, XD.

*QS- female protagonist, LL- Lanling male lead, YY- YuwenYong male lead*

1. On Appreciation/Regret:

This strong theme of appreciating the person who loves and cares unconditionally for you, is not limited to the female protagonist, QS, but almost all the main characters. (I would call this, characters chasing after each other's hearts in a cycle, to death; "like moth to fire" (from ED lyrics.) Obviously from the outset, QS learns to accept the love YY keeps proving to her- it is a difficult journey when she already had LL in her heart. (Reminds me of Empress Ki, where Seung Nyang admits she loved both Ta Hwan and Wang Yoo, in the last scene of the drama.)

The story directly conveys to the audience, when QS even herself, advised one of the leaders of the Dragon sect, to "value and not be blind to the one in front of your line of view, who loves you" after that person died by his mistake, but her last wish was for QS to look after him. (Yup, there are as many selfless characters as there are selfish.) Although his higher cause to help build a prosperous kingdom, overode personal desires, his unspoken regret to be unable to accept her (not QS) feelings every time he rescues her, is evident as he keeps on him, her ornament.

There are charming women, just as compatible with YY and LL, but their love were only felt after they died for them; a powerless lady, who was meant to be LL's wife but never managed to, has such a kind and resilient heart, but being constantly un-reciprocated by LL, definitely evokes a bitter emotion from you. Her story may even be on par with QS's legend.

Not all unappreciated love are romantic, such as when LL's mother who was a mother figure to QS, attempted to deny she cared for QS, in order to chase a higher cause, which resulted in initially forcing apart LL and QS, "replacing love's thirst [for QS] with hate" on LL's part (from ED lyrics). This triggers into play the escalation of war by LL's and YY's part in, really, a fight against fate.
Much like how YY tells QS "if you don't believe in the heavens, you can believe in me", when YY tries to win over QS, who is actually, as the title suggests, "Lanling King's princess".
As for LL and QS, there is a constant motif of the attraction between the firefly and higanbana flower, respective of themselves. Although the firefly can never touch the petals of the flower, or else it dies from its poison, QS says to LL "the firefly and flower can be together", and makes a handkerchief for herself and LL, which when overlapped, exhibits a scenery where the firefly rests on the flower. But the ED song lyrics also states the "moth [rushes] to fire (the flower)".
There are many other underlying similar stories of regret in failure to appreciate loved ones.

2. On 'Masks' worn by characters:

Clearly LL's war mask is the icon. His mother, who became the wife of the enemy nation's regent, wore a mask and many other alias'. Dragon sect leader#2 wore three different faces by makeup (what he actually looks like will astonish you). YY wore a frivolous, debauched front. And many other characters wear 'masks'. But everyone wears masks for different reasons, which I won't disclose because I know I have SAID QUITE ENOUGH ABOUT THE STORY ALREADY XD. Yet the most subtle mask, is actually that of QS's- the bridal mask representing the alias identity that she took on without remembering who she was. But at the same time it could be said that memory loss revealed her true self.
There are no bad guys in the characters. Dragon sect leaders desire the powerful artifacts, but for different reasons. The existence of dragon sect is condemned by leader#2, for it's ability to develop a sense of entitled power to the identity, seen to lead leaders #1, and #3 to death. Parallel to the royal family problem, YY's uncle was led to his death, because of his same sense of entitlement.

MUSIC:
The music! In fact I really love every piece of soundtrack music, esp the lyrics. For one, obviously the timing of a particular soundtrack is ejected so well into the beginning of scenes, that it really creates meaning and quickly becomes nostalgic.
Another point, which is how the OP and ED is utilised in a way I haven't seen in other dramas before. Just as any other OP and ED of other dramas, the lyrics are intangible to the story line and its motifs. But, the motif representing QS and LL's legendary love as a higanbana flower and firefly, is directly made into the OP and ED respectively. Much like how the OP 'serenades' the ED, and the ED to the OP; the flower sings a love song to the firefly in the OP and vice versa.

The reuse of the ED with only scenes of QS and LL, is an attempt, for one to make up for the lack of scenes LL appears in, but more importantly to remind us this story is actually a tale of the tragic longing between LL and his LL princess aka QS, we all know. Literally the theme of longing is objectified throughout the OP&ED, being hyperbolised to the point of reaching the state of where gazing at "higanbanas warms up the longing for a lifetime" (duh, historical genres).
As they continuously "let slip past the face that I'm familiar with" (cue changing masks) and the plot moves from one stage to the next, the meaning of the ED with its scenes of the couple's relationship, evolves. Moving from initially loving in "times spent in a dream-like manner" to being "awakened" to a tragic longing, stained with "tears of the higanbana" where "like a dream, be its love or hate, only hurt remains" at how "our hair whitens as we missed our opportunity to be together once again". Eventually, their relationship becomes one of which they will "wait for [each other] at the ending point" as long as the "tears of the higanbana [continue to] pound [their] heart" and "recall the pain" because there is "happiness in waiting for [the other] silently" or "a vow to wait for forever".
So "let [their glorified] longing for each other prevent [them] from forgetting the other in [their] lifetime".
                          And that's basically what makes this drama feel melancholic  fraught with nostalgia.
Ehh, that's about it, I'll stop talking/spoiling and you get the meaning... they sure are sadists, right? #poetic-emo-love
*The above paragraph quotes are from OP lyrics

CLOTHING/SET APPEARANCE:
The production cost was reported to be huge- you can imagine the rest. The cinematography! The quality! The breathtaking scenery of riding on horses, galloping across grass fields that stretch across all that the eye can see; capturing well the edge of dream-like moments with LL. Fawn over his dreamy beauty will ya?

PS. If you didn't know, in reality Lanling king's infamous beauty forced him to wear a ferocious mask in war, although the mask's symbolism is much more emphasised than his beauty in this drama. Sorry for such a long review, (usually I'm really reluctant to go as far as to review but this is my first review as I HAD to go make an account because I wanted to tell people about it) but seriously please go and experience it for yourself right now! Sorry if I sound like I'm glorifying this legend.
Link to actual LanLing king dance preserved in Japan till this day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-1zec5xJjQ

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
23 people found this review helpful
Dec 10, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

High re-watch value

I think this is my all-time favorite Kdrama. First off, the story is phenomenal. I always give dramas 10 minutes to see if it'll hook me. If it doesn't, for the most part, I'll have a hard time finishing it for some reason. Within minutes, I already knew I would love this Kdrama.

The casting is spot-on. I can't think of another person who could play the Grim Reaper as well as Lee Dong Wook or Gong Yoo as the Goblin. The dry humor and bromance between the two are what I enjoyed the most. None of the characters "bugged" me. Not a one. In almost every drama, one character will rub me the wrong way. Instead, in this drama, every character became important to me.

The two separate love stories complemented each other so well. You rooted for both and there was no jealousy or games that you usually see in other dramas. The emotional feelings aren't forced like in a lot of other dramas, where you feel like they set it up just to make you cry. In this drama, there are heartbreaks, but many feel-good moments. A great balance.

The music was great and I felt the choice of the songs was spot-on. Great production as well. It doesn't matter who I recommend this show to, whether it is male or female, old or young, they have all enjoyed it. I highly recommend this if you've never seen it. I wish I saw this sooner.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Beauty Inside
23 people found this review helpful
Nov 23, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I decided to watch this drama based on my admiration for the main leads and their individual acting skills.

Seo Hyun Jin acting was good but, I preferred her in previous dramas such as another miss oh and temperature of love. The same goes for Lee Min Ki I didn’t really love his character as much as I wish to have done. I felt as though I had seen him play this same character in Because it’s my first life - emotionless at first but gradually romantic and wanted to see something different.

This drama just misses something for me, the chemistry between the leads was there but maybe the writing was what lacked in the drama it just felt very ‘safe’ to me. The ‘fantasy’ element of the drama wasn’t really there the drama is set in morden day, the only fantasy element was the fact she changes appearances sometimes.

Music- the music wasn’t exceptional but it was good. I did like a few OST’s.

Rewatch value- I cannot see myself rewatching this drama in the future it as it just didn’t have a lasting impression on me. It was just average and I’m honestly surprised at some of the high reviews of this drama especially since the drama had no real plot.

On the other hand, this drama can be praised for it’s attempts to reverse roles and have the female lead be the one that change her appearance rather than the male which is shown in the original story.

Overall, if you are looking for a thought provoking or unpredictable drama I’m afraid this isn’t it, unlike the title suggests it to be like.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Black Butler
22 people found this review helpful
Jul 2, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.5
This is a great movie, let me explain you why;

The mansions, the little decorative things on the set and the costumes. This all is already luring you in this movie. The actor's were nice, but they could have been better I think. I did like the expressions Sebastian made and he always kept his cool. On the other hand Kiyoharu not, sometimes I was a litte confused about this character. But overall they acted well and they sucked me into the story.
If you've seen the anime or manga this movie might dissapoint you but if you didn't you'll sure to like this movie.
They portreyed the story good and I felt there was never a dull moment in this movie. I loved the action parts; they were very well executed and didn't look too fake at all. Also they managed to keep a mysterious vibe in the movie and there were some plot twists.
The music is the best part in this movie. It was perfect. They fitted every scene and when you'll see it in combination with the music you will get in that mysterious vibe.

So you should watch this if you like a fighting scenes, plot twists and a good story.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?