Reviews

My typical type of drama, it totally passes my standards

Don't get too excited..
It's so good, I like dramas containing absolute red flags or maybe blacks..
Story is so engaging, just continue and you'll understand what I mean.

But the coincidence of the lovers having same names is quite common.

The OST is excellent " you're red flag, but I'm colour blind " , I got extremely excited after the first time I heard, this drama is totally my typeee.

That devil looking guy is so toxic, but I like itt.
And the little Jane is too softt, totally opposite to each other.

I'm just excited to know the reason why big Jane manipulates human minds.
And make those blood contracts.

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I had expected this to be a successful second season to a beautifully written drama.. Even if not better than the first but at least close to it.. But honestly, it wasn’t.. And I totally understand the low ratings.. I really do.. I am not going to blame the story itself.. If this had been a standalone drama or not a continuation, it would have actually been an excellent one.. But it wasn’t.. After watching 34 eps and waiting 5–6 months, you shouldn’t have to sit through another 12 eps of push and pull between the main leads.. Especially letting someone like Liu Lang who is a complete nobody affect their relationship.. The court politics, the mutiny and everything else were solid, but most of what happened in the first 12 eps felt totally unnecessary.. The foundation for the characters was already built.. What they needed to do was move the story forward.. Instead they were still stuck in the same loop.. Repeating what had already happened in the first season.. Honestly I respect the commitment the writing shows, it knows what it wants.. But I didn’t quite get the fulfillment I was hoping for.. I am only whining because I expected more..

If it were possible to erase someone from the story.. It would be Liu Lang.. Enemies?? Yeah I hate them.. But what about people who stay close to you and backstab you?? He literally got his life back and is living well because of the FL and yet he tried to destroy her relationship out of jealousy?? He was supposed to be like a younger brother to her.. His sister did the same thing and now he followed right in her footsteps.. And the fact that this guy hit the ML and still got let off?? I was honestly disappointed at how easily he was forgiven and also how his stupidity and jealousy were sugarcoated as concern for the FL.. Sure he got his redemption arc but he didnt pay for his mistakes..

Liu Chang was pathetic in the first season but here he completely turned into a character unworthy of any pity.. He did some truly nasty things.. It was actually satisfying when the FL hurt him repeatedly, the stabbing scene especially felt good.. But honestly, he still didn’t suffer enough.. That’s why I wasn’t satisfied with how things ended for him.. He should have suffered more pain..

I actually felt sorry for Princess You Zhen.. The cycle of her life was truly sad.. Hurt by the men around her, including her own father.. I am glad she didn’t die in the end.. It meant she had another chance at life, another opportunity to start over..

Ep 19.. I think they were too hasty in confronting Prince Ning.. I mean he literally crushed their decade old plan in just a few days, it felt way too easy.. And the final confrontation, the war could have been handled much better.. It just goes to show how little attention was given to the parts of the story that didn’t have the FL on screen..

While I wasn’t completely satisfied, this was still a watchable conclusion to an amazing story.. In the first season even though Mu Dan was the anchor, the others mattered too.. But in the second season, it became all about her.. No one else had a satisfying storyline.. Even the ML felt underused and sidelined, just to elevate Mu Dan’s character to glory.. I really wished everyone had a meaningful presence..

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Beyond the Bar might not win any awards for originality but it still stands out as one of the better KDramas of 2025 and a solid addition to the legal drama list.. This could easily be called one of the most fine dramas to be made.. The acting and storytelling are fine.. The directing, cinematography, editing and music are all fine.. The drama maintains a smooth, steady pace right up until the end.. While Beyond the Bar doesn’t pack a lot of surprises, it’s still an enjoyable and heartwarming legal drama.. The cases themselves provide a solid structure that elevates the overall quality of the show..

Before anything else, I have to talk about the main leads.. Yun Seok Hun and Kang Hyo Min are among the most rational and level headed characters I have seen in a drama.. Yes the ML lost it a couple of times, but it was obviously justified.. What stood out to me most was how restrained their romance was.. They were never going to share the kind of romantic moments the other couples had because that’s not who they are.. They are reserved, introspective people carrying painful pasts.. In the final moments of the drama, they reflected on what love truly means but never reached a clear answer.. Much like their own relationship.. That’s exactly why I appreciated the ending.. It felt like they were quietly considering the possibility of a romance without facing the full personal and professional implications... They started as unhappy individuals but finished the story side by side, having resolved most of their struggles..

I read people say the FL can’t be shipped with ML, but did they miss the slow burn?? Their bond began with admiration, grew through mutual respect and deepened as they spent time truly understanding each other.. It wasn’t loud or flashy but it was mature and undeniable.. Even their eye contact carried more weight than what many romance dramas manage to deliver..

Apart from the leads, my favorite character was Heo Min Jeong.. One of my favorite moments in the drama was when she stood up to her ex-in laws without backing down.. She was really cool. Her chemistry with Lee Jin U was good, though they didn’t get enough screen time.. I also liked the FL’s two friends and their dynamic, but honestly they didn’t add much to the overall story.. Loved the Yullim Litigation Squad, I first thought one of them might be a malicious individual, but so glad that was not the case.. They were all so good to each other..

Bit curious about the bar scene in ep 6.. A stranger touches the FL and her friends go all “awww”.. But it made me wonder, if he hadn’t been a rich, handsome man but instead someone poor, plain or not so good looking, would they still have reacted the same way??

I liked all the cases that were presented in the drama.. They didn’t go overboard but kept things simple and engaging.. My favorite was the Doctor’s case.. I liked how the drama didn't portray prosecutors as power hungry individuals always at odds with lawyers.. That episode really highlighted the goodness in people, helping one another not out of obligation or familiarity or for recognition, but simply because it was the right thing to do..

Three things that irked me.. First, the last divorce case.. I think it was just absurd.. The only case where I wanted them to lose and I was glad the verdict went the way it did.. Nowadays people really seem to be making a mockery of marriage.. Second, I don’t understand why every opposing legal team is always Lee and Seo and why it’s always her ex.. I mean, aren’t there any other law firms or lawyers?? Third, the ads.. Way too many of them.. Seriously, tone it down a bit..

Overall, I genuinely liked Beyond the Bar.. I enjoyed it from start to finish.. Even though it didn’t provide a fully wrapped up ending for the main leads story, I feel it's the beginning of their love story.. I think the drama may have lost a little, perhaps 0.3 points in ratings because of viewers who were just upset with the ML and another 0.1 from those bothered by the open ending.. I would say an 8.6–8.7 rating feels about right for this drama.. There is positive talks ongoing about another season and I hope it happens.. I would love to see how their romance develops and how it affects both their professional and personal lives.. There’s clearly more to explore in this story.. And also, what happens to Hash??

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Enchantment + Chemistry + Magic = Alchemy of Souls

There have already been numerous lengthy reviews criticizing and praising this drama. So, I don't think I'll need to write another lengthy one. But I couldn't help but write one for this drama because I needed to make my points about why it's so good and deserves what it's getting. I'll try to keep this brief and to the point, but please forgive me if it gets out of hand. : D

Alchemy of Souls is a Studio Dragon and High Quality action + fantasy k-drama written by the Hong sisters (Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi Ran) and directed by Park Joon Hwa. I'll give you a quick summary of the story:

The story takes place in Daeho, a fictional land centred on Lake Gyeongcheondaeho, where mages with the ability to control vast amounts of energy from the lake live. The plot revolves around our heroine, Naksu, the Shadow Assassin, who is regarded as a major threat to Daeho's mages. A situation arises that forces Naksu to perform the Alchemy of Souls, a forbidden magical art that allows a person to transfer their soul to another person's body. Sadly, she becomes trapped in the body of Mu Deok, a mysterious girl. Her weak body prevents her from using her abilities. Then she meets Jang Uk, the young master Jang, who is considered one of Daeho's 'Four Seasons' (Winter), along with Seo Yul (Autumn), Jin Cho Yeon (Spring), and Park Dang Gu (Summer). Jang Uk had been looking for a master who could teach him how to use spells since he was forbidden to do so from birth, which caused many scandals. Naksu agrees to teach Uk  because the deal benefits Naksu as well. Then, they work together to achieve their goals and uncover dark secrets buried deep in Daeho's history.

So, that's what the story is about.


Now, I'll focus on the plus points and short comings of the drama and justify why AoS deserves the rating I have given it.

PROS:

*AoS has an amazing story line. It's new and original. The Hong sisters created a whole new world with their imagination. The whole thing is new to us, and we can't help but watch it.

*The plot is so very intriguing with its twists and turns. The way each revelation is made is gripping. It always succeeded in keeping me on the edge of my seat! I can justify that because you'll be left with many questions as the 1st part ends. My mind is burning to know everything!

*The characters in this drama are as intriguing as the plot. They are three-dimensional and multi-faceted. We can see that the characters are built with great care so that they remain true to their original selves till the very end of the drama.

*Another positive aspect of the drama is the chemistry between the characters. Whatever their relationship was, all of the characters on screen seemed to have amazing chemistry with each other.

*The plot did justice to all of the drama's genres, whether it's comedy, action, suspense, or fantasy. The comedic scenes, particularly those between Mu Deok and the Crown Prince, were fantastic! I laughed quite a few times. The action scenes in this drama were excellent too! I liked it very much!

*The complex CGI used in this drama is spectacular! We can't take our eyes off the screen because it's so stunning! This was a visual treat to watch.

*It was a pleasure to watch the cast's acting! The majority of the cast delivered outstanding performances. They made the characters seem real. They made us feel their emotions and live with them, especially the main characters. Actually, this is my first Jung Su Mo and Lee Jae Wook drama. But this single drama has made me fall in love with them! I was astounded by Jung Su Mo's ability to portray so many different personas with so many different expressions! Lee Jae Wook was also fantastic! Despite being a relatively new actor, he seemed to outperform veteran actors! Hwang Min Hyun and Shin Seung Ho's performances have also impressed me. They both played quite difficult characters, and they nailed it! Yoo In Soo, of course, is the person who has most impressed me. I saw him in All Of Us Are Dead, where he played a very different character than he did here. To be more specific, the two characters were like night and day! The majority of the other leads have also done well. Let's give them all a standing ovation!!!

*Another thing I liked about this drama is how different it is from other wuxia dramas. Men with long wigs and women with complex hairstyles are common in Wuxia dramas. But, here, most men here have short hair and various hairstyles, whereas most women have modern hairstyles such as bangs, short hair, and so on. Some of the characters even have coloured hair! At first, I was annoyed by this, but then I realised that the variety makes this drama more memorable. *This drama's sound effects are undeniably beautiful. It provided me with the right vibes for each scene. The OSTs were all excellent as well! Scars Leave Beautiful Traces and You Are Everything To Me are some of the drama's most memorable OSTs.


CONS:

I'm not denying the drama's flaws. Everything has some drawbacks. Some of the things in the drama that irritated me the most were:

*Excessive scene repetition. After all, we are not idiots. We don't have such a bad memory that we need to be reminded of what happened every time something is mentioned.

*Another undeniable flaw in the drama is the underutilization of the female lead, Nak Su. She was introduced as a badass fl, but she was gradually reduced to being the ML's love interest only. Perhaps we'll see more of Nak Su in the coming season. So let us just wait.

*There are undeniably a lot of romantic elements in this drama. They could have given it less screen time and instead focused on improving the drama's other flaws.

*During the middle of the drama, there were numerous filler episodes. During that time, nothing actually happened. This has also turned off a lot of people. They could have finished this in 15 or 16 episodes.

*Another undeniable con of the drama is its underusing of the female lead, Nak Su. She was introduced as a badass fl but, slowly, she was sidelined to being the ML's love interest only. Maybe we'll get to see more of Nak Su in the next season. So let's wait.

*Undeniably, there are more than enough romantic elements in this drama. They could have given less screen time for it and instead focused on improving the other lacking aspects of the drama.


Overall:

I don't think I have anything more to say about the drama, but I can say confidently that this has become one of my favourite dramas, which will live on in my memory for the rest of my life. Hope this review has justified the drama.
If you like fantasy, action or adventure, this drama is highly recommended. The time invested will be worthwhile.  Let's all look forward to the Part 2 of the drama and get the answers for all our questions!

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ML: the punching bag

So quickly I’ll say this supposedly high budget drama looked cheap, used a lot of AI(ew) and the music was…woooo, horrific. Moving on, I have never sided with a republican era ML and never thought I would, until now. I won’t say much about the FL, I found her mostly unlikable and selfish but she had valid reasons sometimes. ML was a good guy despite his circumstances. He had good intentions, loved his brothers, he loved FL, he continued to obey both parents despite how they abused him. Now what does he get in return? Everyone around him(including FL) controlling, manipulating, hiding things from him and just being outright mean to his face. Some claimed to be doing these things for his sake out of “love”, but it was just completely ignoring his feelings and what he wanted. Now after spending 98.7% of the series being treated poorly, ML who sacrificed so much should get a happy ending right? LOL, guess not. ML has the *tiniest* glimpse of happiness before it all ends for him. And not only did the ML spend the entire drama miserable, all the other characters did too. Which made it miserable to watch and a waste of time.

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Let me start by saying that I LOVED the 1st season of Scarlet Heart. I had recently come around to watching period dramas and was recommended that I watch it. And boy was I not disappointed...I wish the same could be said of this second season. Let me begin with the obvious: season 2 is set in modern day, so the feel is completely different as are the problems all of the characters face. The beginning started somewhat strong for me. There were flashbacks to season 1 and a few of the characters' reincarnated selves in modern day was a nice touch.

story: the plot was weak sauce. Nothing we drama fans haven't seen before: love triangle, poor girl catching the eye of the rich heirs and deciding who she truly loves. The revenge plots did keep me interested with just how far the characters will go for 'justice' and the truths behind long-kept family secrets. But the doppelganger storyline wasn't needed AT ALL. Plus, after the first few episodes, there isn't a whole lot of interaction between the main couple (Zhang Xiao & Yin Zheng) until episode 15, and even then the build up felt too rushed. Maybe because I couldn't really get a sense of time passing, or how much time passed from one problem popping up to another being resolved.

cast: the actors did what they could with the script they were given. And after watching the whole drama I know why more actors from the first season didn't sign on for the 2nd. From episode 1 to the finale the main actress was ALWAYS crying or on the verge of tears. It got to the point that her tears meant nothing to me as a viewer because she cried SOOOO much.

music: It didn't move me, and it wasn't memorable. But it served its purposed to give dramatic flair when needed.

Rewatch: Dear God NO! Knowing how it all came together and ended, I'd rather just rewatch the first season and pretend that (potential SPOILER ALERT for season 1) Ruoxi chases after 4th Prince in the museum with a smile on her face and a sense of hope. Honestly, had the 1st season ended on that note I wouldn't have bothered with the 2nd.

Overall: I'm harsh on this BECAUSE the 1st season was so good. In comparison, season 2 is a 5, but as a standalone I'd give it a solid 7.5. So in fairness, the actual 7 i'm giving this is more than it deserves :-(

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I LOVED THIS ABSOLUTELY

ERROR! ERROR! REVIEW REQUIRED!

I WILL ALWAYS SAY IT, THE POTENTIAL KOREAN BLs HAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But seriously, I was really shocked at the quality of it all, it was impressive and great, and I loved every second of it.
Before we kick off, I would like to highlight If you are someone looking for like just skinship, then I don't think this is the series for you, if you want story, great acting, production etc, then this is for you. Side Note: They had great kisses though
But the story is quite interesting and cool, I like how it wasn't focused on a guy struggling with his sexuality or any of that drama, but they knew what they wanted, and they went for it straight.

Reviews are usually broken into
1. Introduction
2. General Review, Themes, Specific Issues
3. Story arc and Storylines
4. Characters and Casting
5. Acting
6. Misses
7. Production
8. Rewatch Value

INTRODUCTION
Alright, no matter how much I want a change in the themes of BL to things like Manner of Death and the upcoming KinnPorsche the series, I won’t say I don’t appreciate my good old fluffy bls and Semantic Error was something in that manner. On a general I loved the series, it’s a great one.

GENERAL REVIEW and STORYARC
On an overall, we kinda went with the popular trope of bad boy and rebel who falls in love with the upright, top of the class, quiet kid. And I am not opposed to it because they executed it and I think part of it is tied down to the acting and the actors who really had great chemistry together. Loved the pacing of the series because it didn’t feel too rushed, though I wish we had more romance time between them, but they always had cuteness, so I don’t mind. The storyline was nothing too complex, just two boys who fate brings together in the weirdest way, they start off on a misunderstanding then eventually end up needing each other while being a balance to each other. From a boy who viewed the world through a binary view, thinking love was manipulation to becoming a boy who couldn’t understand what was happening to him when someone he considered to be a “virus” was removed. Loved the idea behind it

CHARACTERS, CASTING AND ACTING
First on the characters, I absolutely love the main characters and two support characters. They were funny, I mean watching Sangwoo go sassy on Choi when she tells them they weren’t the only ones in the office and watching Jang enjoy every moment of his boyfriend (to be) was so cool. The casting was perfect, the height difference between the actor that plays Jang and Sangwoo makes the casting all the much better, like the difference in their height made them more likeable.
For the acting, I think chemistry between the two actors helped so much in this because I love their acting, watching Sangwoo go from uptight to when he starts experiencing his error and then finally when he falls for Jang. Their acting was great.

MISSES
The only miss, which I would not necessarily call a miss for me was the stalker start that the show had because those things can easily go haywire and weird

PRODUCTION AND REWATCH VALUE
Loved the production on this show, it was great, the entire team tried with the direction of the show, and I would a hundred percent watch this show again in the future

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ENEMIES TO FAKE DATING TO LOVERS!!!

I LOVED THIS DRAMA SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!

It literally felt like I was reading a contemporary romance book, down to the tropes and everything. The enemies to fake dating to lovers is gonna hit every single time!!! Everything about this drama was chef's kiss. It was the perfect mixture of comedy and romance... you can't help but fall in love with the characters. I also couldn't take them seriously because they were so outrageously hilarious. The banter / discourse between the opposing viewpoints of men and women was refreshing. I found myself thinking wow that's really how men view women and vice versa.

Mi Ran has my entire heart!!! We love a badass heroine who puts men in their place. I adored how Kang Ho balanced her out perfectly. It's like both of them finally met their match and sparks just flew – LITERALLY. The chemistry between them was off the chartsssssss.

I also loved the second lead couple, they were cute... when they got together I'm sure we all screamed FINALLY. His pretty woman moment was so adorable fr!!!

I would recommend this to friends because it was so light hearted and easy to watch / binge in one day. If you are in a drama slump this drama is for you. You literally feel the episodes fly by so quickly one minute your at episode 1 and the next you're at episode 10. Now that I'm finished I am thinking of watching it again.

I gave it an 8.5 out of 10 simply because I felt like I needed more, the episodes were super fast paced which was good at first especially if you have a short attention span like me, but...I felt like they wrapped up the drama so quickly between episodes 9 and 10 especially. The third act conflict just jumped out of nowhere fr after the leads were having such a great time in love and being together which was kind of sad and unnecessary imo.

Either way it's a drama I needed to just sit back, relax and have a nice laugh. I literally couldn't stop smiling because it was so freaking cute!!!

Warning: If you're single this drama is gonna make you feel even more so like I cannot emphasize it enough. The way the couple is with each other is just aajhskjs!!!

If you haven't binge watched this yet you need to hop on the train and do so immediately!!

LOVE TO HATE YOU IS THE ROM-COM DRAMA YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE <3

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Don't expect to enjoy this unless you are a Cassie. It has quite the thin, holey plotline, makes very little sense, and is all around a bit silly. However, the cast of course is very nice to look at and if you already love DBSK then you will enjoy spending a little over an hour ogling and laughing at/with them. The acting is not terrible so much as the story is poorly constructed, so it is not horribly painful to watch (the strongest actors of DBSK get the lead roles, so that helps) but don't expect the feeling of "what a great movie!" after watching so much as "that was kind of amusing!" The best part, without a doubt, is definitely that the OST is 100% DBSK :) And of course, no matter how their acting skills may be, no one can deny their superior musical talent, so that is definitely a plus.



Overall, this was not -so- bad, and it was an entertaining way to waste some time, but unless you are a diehard Cassie or are just curious about DBSK, there are probably better things to watch out there.

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Silk Robes & Side-Eyes: A Sweet Escape with “Prisoner of Beauty”

Watching Prisoner of Beauty felt like getting wrapped in a velvet blanket while two ridiculously good-looking people argued like an old married couple. 😂

Song Zu’er? Total gem 💎—graceful, sharp, and that face could lead armies or end wars. The way she glares at Liu Yuning every time he roasts the poor Scholar? Comedy gold 🤣. Her expressions deserve their own drama: fiery when mad 😤, cool when scheming 🧠, soft when in love 💕, and adorably guilty when apologising 🥺. It’s like an emoji keyboard came to life—with actual acting skills. Unlike most cookie-cutter FLs, she brings layers, not just eyeliner. Queen behavior. 👑

Liu Yuning—ugh yes please! 😍 The man is walking eye candy with a dash of brooding mystery and unexpected softness. That towering presence, those intense gazes, and his deep voice? Instant heart flutter 🫠. Plus, his fashion and armor game? On point. Whether he’s in battle robes or sulking in a corner, he serves main character energy with a side of “I’ll protect you but won’t talk about my feelings” charm 🖤🗡️. Love his style, love his vibe—10/10 would stare respectfully (and maybe a little disrespectfully) every episode. 😏🔥 He comes in all broody and battle-ready 🗡️, but surprise! He’s got deadpan sass and “emotionally constipated but trying” energy that grows on you like a reluctant houseplant. 🌱 Their chemistry? It’s giving enemies-to-lovers with a side of slow-burn eye contact and unspoken feelings longer than ancient scrolls 📜.

And here’s the best part—no unnecessary breakups, no stupid misunderstandings! 🙌 Yes, they bicker (and thank goodness, because the banter is gold), but they hash it out like mature, emotionally literate grownups. What a concept! 😂 It’s so refreshing to see leads who argue with logic, then move on with their lives together. Love them for it!

The four Wei generals and the advisor? Absolute comedy squad 🤣. Every time they showed up, it was like a mini sitcom in ancient robes. Whether they were panicking, plotting, or just being lovable idiots, they had me cackling 😂. And the advisor? The one brain cell holding them together—barely. It felt like watching a group project where only one guy read the instructions 🧠📜. Their loyalty was top-tier, but their chaos? Unmatched. I’d watch a spin-off of just them arguing over who gets the last dumpling 🥟.

The only tearjerker? Sweet, chubby General Wei Liang 😭💔. That man was a cinnamon roll in armor. His loyalty, his adorable crush, his pure friendship with the leads… I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. And his love story? Utterly precious and hilarious—like watching a puppy try to flirt 🐶💘.

The OST is like background fairy dust—gentle piano, wistful strings, and perfectly timed romantic tunes when someone almost says "I like you" but ends up staring instead 😳. And the cinematography? Stunning. Golden sunlight, flowing robes, petals flying like someone paid extra for wind effects 🍃. Every frame could hang in a museum, honestly.

Plot-wise, it’s not here to hurt you or melt your brain. No power-hungry schemes with a hundred backstabs—just heartfelt growth, palace whispers, clever plotting, and romantic tension so thick it could be sliced with a decorative hairpin. 🥢

Verdict? 10/10 for comfort, chemistry, visual snacks, and healthy communication. A drama that made my heart full, eyes happy, and left me whispering “just one more episode” at 2am like a liar. 😅📺💖

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Growth in youth is often painful, and while love makes it bearable, sometimes it isn't enough

I took one look at the cover photo and synopsis for this show and knew I would love it. I went in pretty much blind and rewatched it twice as it was airing, solely because I couldn't get enough of what I would describe as an immaculately done piece of art. This show carried so much potential and executed it at every point possible.

First, I want to emphasize how much of my heart and soul this drama took. From beginning to end, I could not truly predict anything regarding Minase and Hirukawa's relationship, even down to if they were going to be together at the end of the show. On so many different levels this show represented pure craftsmanship to me. From the cinematography to the storyline, everything I would personally say was done with so much intention, detail, and care that I truly hope it is appreciated by others for the beautiful tale it walks its audience through.

Secondly, the only honest criticism I have is that there were a couple of scenes (literally only twice) where I struggled to believe the "sad" vibe due to the acting appearing a little too strong or inauthentic. Please note that it was very minimal and did not change my view of the show at all because, in the grand scheme of the plotline, I still think it was written with great skill and purpose.

Similar to the series "My Beautiful Man", we get to view both the pureness of a first love and the uncertainty that is often felt by those trying to identify if who they love is "right" because it's "different." Yet, in an important difference to the aforementioned show, this series takes the depth of this love and shoves it into a container carrying much more serious trauma, and then proceeds to shake it up with a whole lot of "I have no way to know how to express love because I've never seen a proper example." There are scenes in here that may be triggering for some. It's not dark like "Happy of the End" dark, but any audience member should be aware this series is not here to waltz you through a peaceful and easy-on-the-stomach love story. It's real, imperfect, and at times, depressing to witness.

On a lighter note, if you're into the trope of "He fell first, but he fell harder," you'll get just as much of a sucker punch to the gut as I did, because my God, the yearning will just yank on your heartstrings. Bonus points too if you get to see episode 11 that I had no clue was coming. The tension in that was WILD and some scenes threw me for a serious loop because of how unprepared I was to see grown Haruki and Jin who were fully aware of their feelings now acting on them impulsively and without reservation. It was more spicy than I was expecting lol.

Overall, a show I'd highly recommend, and a series that I think even the more experienced watcher will appreciate.

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KinnPorsche, close but not quite

Overall: I rated the first episode a 9.5. Unfortunately the series kind of fell apart for me, but there were some really good aspects. Although there's crack comedy (and some stupid comedy) parts, I would label KP as a mature series with major content warnings. Make sure to watch past the credits for the final episode. Watched on iQIYI (watched the uncut La Forte and also several episodes of the cut TV version)

Content Warnings: murders/deaths, attempted murder, suicide, threatened suicide, non con kissing and sex (drugged), dub/non con kiss (drunk), torture, manipulation, violence, fight scenes, blood and gore, kidnapping, pet death, breaking & entering, trauma/past trauma, physical abuse, self harm, drunk driving? 17/18 year old with 22? year old (this personally didn't bother me the way it was presented)

What I Liked
- intro song and the music fit the scenes well
- acting, especially Apo and his microexpressions
- some of the funny moments like that light shining on Porsche in the bar as if he's sent from heaven in ep 1
- really lovely cinematography such as the bathroom scene in episode 7
- beautiful and well thought out lighting
- Porsche and Porschay brother relationship was super sweet
- that Kinn and Porsche were realistically horny after they got together
- a more unique premise (we don't have many BL mafia series)
- fun product placements like that bread in the bed
- the free, shorter TV versions are cut really well and it doesn't ruin the series, they toned down/cut some of the violence and sex/nudity in the shorter versions as well as other parts (like cutting the toilet humor from ep 1 which I appreciated)

Room For Improvement
- disappointed with Porsche's character. In the first episode he's shown as a good fighter and intelligent but then it all goes downhill. He does some of the stupidest things, speaking of...
- really stupid decisions from multiple characters (somehow Tankhun is the smartest brother...), Kinn saying he forgot something - really???
- back to Porsche. It's so odd how the character felt about the mafia in episode 1 to where he ends up in the finale with apparently no internal struggle.
- lack of character growth with KinnPorsche, they are terrible at communicating and trusting one another. I wanted to see them work thru this and grow together. Kinn continued to seek his father's approval and I wanted him to start breaking away.
- stark tonal changes. At the end of episode 10 there was no time to grieve, just farting in the bed. I think humor can go well with a darker tone (like Our Flag Means Death) but going from torture to silly scenes did not work for me.
- non logic: owning an expensive motorcycle and having no money, going clubbing with only 3 bodyguards when someone wants you dead, knowing how to spearfish but not that a small knife won't cut through bone, clean shaven after 3 days in the wilderness, lack of police, no one wears bullet proof vests ever
- the dub/non con with KinnPorsche although I appreciate that it wasn't immediately glossed over, there was apologizing and some selfless acts
- Vegas and Pete needed more screen time. I really wish we had seen Pete have a wet dream with Vegas and Pete as a masochist earlier. Also that he purposefully got caught because he was attracted to Vegas. Their relationship felt Stockholm Syndromey and was very rushed. The sex scene needed less music and more actual sounds from them, a steadier camera and some research on BDSM.
- Kim/Porschay, they needed more screentime as well. I was confused by Porschay's intensity as it seemed they were together for a short time but in a later episode Kim looks back at a bunch of pictures of them together and it made me think they dated for longer than I thought.
- camerawork was a little too shaky during action scenes
- replacing swear words with things like "fudge" WTF? We see multiple murders but using swear words is too much (I didn't take off points for this though as maybe the production couldn't control the subs)
- it felt like maybe too many twists at the end, definitely felt like a set up for season 2

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What hits differently with LOST?

We could say it's the way its told. To the dark palette scenes, the silence at some points, the dialogues between characters and their interactions and storylines, they all hit home in a different way. Perhaps it's how crude and natural most seem out to be. That they can be touching and emotional, or even deemed tragic. Nevertheless, everything is so elegantly written that captures the viewers.

It's a slice of life that shows us how much loneliness is within each and everyone of us no matter our age or social status, how lost we've become at some point in our lives to start questioning where indeed we went wrong from the path we've once were settled on following. Or maybe there was none of it and we are still lost in a maze of our own delusional perceptions.

A mature and heavy storyline not for the faint of heart or spirit. Because it focuses on dark themes, such as suicide, abusive relationships, depression and hardships. The loneliness of those who live alone, of those sharing a house with someone acquainted, with a lover, a husband, and yet still having this void and drift among them. To the pain of losing someone precious, and the constant sadness, of failing, of being framed. The struggles of finding that your loved one is suffering in silence, or not finding at all until it's too late. The sheer fear of the unknown. Of potential gossips, and misunderstandings, and betrayal. The endless fear of becoming nothing. Of achieving nothing with life, not living but merely existing. The longing of living not knowing how to do so.

Fated meetings and secrets being kept between friends, and the uncertainty of life and death.

However there's a certain melancholic beauty with LOST which allures us to keep on watching and try to empathize with the characters and their own personal struggles. And to their inner emptiness that shows on every single episode.

"What is it like to feel empty?"

Great question, that is hard to give a proper answer to.

The lessons this drama portrays are beautifully expressed by the acting of such talented and seasoned actors.

Do Yeon and Joon Yeol take the prize with the main characters, and the way they engage into their bond and plot in such a natural way that it blends with the symbolic message they are portraying with their roles. Everyone has a role here, and in an odd way they are all connected or interacting at some point. It's hard not to praise the cast for their work here, they all do an amazing job with their characters and the gloomy and serious vibe of this drama. Everything seems realistic, mature and true.

I've known the song Hallelujah before, and it always hit on a deep level, but here in this drama it hits differently. They chose a cover of this famous song, and its spiritual in here. The lyrics, the voice, the sorrow that keeps on matching with the characters storyline and their scenes.

The instrumental melodies and OST blends gracefully with the feelings and the messages the main characters often mention.

Somehow the setting of this drama almost gives some Indie vibes.
Be it the cinematic effects, or even the slow paced scenes and dialogues.
There's an authentic aura enlaced within every single character and story.

Definitely a must watch.

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