Reviews

I started this film for two reasons; the cast and the fact that it's a sageuk. But this is no ordinary historical film with an outstanding cast.
The first thing I have to point out that this drama might not suit everybody's taste. It's TOO real, the bloodshed scenes, the battle scenes and the love scenes. If you can't get too real, don't start it.
Minors, skip this film.
So it's Goryeo –back before they tied their hair up, to our great advantage- and the king (Joo Jin Mo) is under the threat of losing his authority as an active king since Yuan –the empire in control- wants an heir to the throne. The king can't have an heir due to the fact that he's homosexual. (Again, if you cannot accept or respect homosexuality, don't start this). The king's lover and the one who's captured his heart for a long time is the Chief of the king's guards; Hong Lim (Zo In Sung).
Yeah I know!! When these are the two leads!!
With his country and throne on the line, the king resorts to one last option. He decides to make someone impregnate his wife (Song Ji Hyo). Only trusting in his loyal lover and friend, he gives Hong Lim the task. As Hong Lim and the queen make love trying to conceive, a new world opens up to them, and the tragedy starts.
Faced by betrayal, loneliness, abandoment, the king seeks revenge against everyone; first of all, against the one who meant the world to him, Hong Lim.
The story is too real it got me totally absorbed in the suffering of everyone. I couldn't not sympathise with everyone. The absurdity of life is inscribed on every scene. The sense of loss and how it empties us of our souls is engraved on the characters' forheads.
Regardless of the nudity and the sexually explicit scenes, the film is worth watching. It's too painfully awe-aspiring.
The cast did a great job here and I applaud every single person.
Well, I know that Song Joong Ki and No Min Woo are in the cast. Well they are there, almost with no dialgoue or screen time but it was so fun trying to spot them out of the other guards.

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Authentic Portrayal Of Asperger's

As someone who who has been diagnosed with Asperger's herself and as a mother of a son who is diagnosed the same I felt compelled to write a review for this drama. Tang Jung Sang is simply amazing and very authentic in the part of Gu Ru. I cannot stress that enough. Some people might try to disagree with me, but you have to understand, we all have different traits that manifest. Though I, as a female Aspie am totally different than Gu Ru, I still could relate to many traits that the character had and how they were acted out. My son is a lot more similar, though not as extreme, but he also has had professional therapy and has been raised by a mother who is also an Aspie. In the drama, it is shown that Gu Ru's father was the one who worked with him throughout his life, so of course he would still have many issues, though his father did such a a wonderful job just by accepting him and loving him for he is and teaching him. Honestly, the simple teachings his father gave to him were so very similar to how I have taught my son. His father was not autistic but still. He just knew how to get through to Gu Ru in such a patient, loving way. I mean, it is such a simple approach, how he shown doing things, but it is always the *right* way. That is exactly how parents of autistic children should communicate. I saw so many traits, however, that my son had when younger, before the years of therapy began. (Not ABA. I just want to make that clear before anyone jumps on me. I am talking social skills.) For instance, as a child, my son, like Gu Ru, would talk robotically and stim much more when overwhelmed. Also, he still walks very stiffly and won't make eye contact at all.

Another thing that I must point out is very authentic is his ability to memorize what he sees. In my case, I cannot in the way he does, but I can memorize an accent if I hear it once and determine where the person speaking is from. My son can memorize languages and mathmatical concepts. Again, our traits, while similar, can manifest differently.

A number of shows and dramas have been coming out lately that make autism the focal point. I haven't seen all of them, but Move To Heaven nails it. I can also vouch because even though I have explained my and my son's differences to Gu Ru, I know quite a few just like him. In fact, while watching, it is easy to think Tang Jung Sang actually has Asperger's, he is that good at acting it out.

Anyway, on to the rest.

The story is heartwrenching in so many ways, but deeply moving. The main focus is actually the relationship between Gu Ru and his long lost uncle. His uncle appears like a selfish, uncaring slob, but as the story progresses, we get to understand him more and see his heart soften for his nephew. As usual, Lee Je Hoon is excellent. He is such a great actor. He can show a range of emotions and also, just like in Taxi Driver, he kicks butt in fighting scenes.

I give this drama a 9 because it is wonderful, beautiful and doesn't screw up showing autism. I would have given it a 10 but I was kind of hoping for a certain plot twist and it didn't happen. Lol (What did happen was still good, I just really wanted the other thing. Haha!) Also, it left off with something like...not a cliffhanger but something you are left waiting to see what and if anything happens there. It was totally on purpose as an opening for a possible second season on Netflix, I just hate it when they do that when nothing is confirmed. Don't leave peeps hanging! I do hope there is a Season 2. I will watch if there is.

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There was a little doubt in my spirit when it was announced that there would be a HIStory 3. I said to myself "there is no way they're gonna top HIStory 2 Crossing the Line, absolutely NO WAY!" and I was quite adamant about it, but that one fateful day when I sat down and pressed play on my computer was the best day EVER.

First, let's talk about the actors. This cast is amazing. Their chemistry is beyond what I thought it would be. The way they interacted. Watching the behind the scenes I could see how they embodied the characters but at the same time had a genuine like for one another. They each brought something different to the show.

Now to get into the nitty-gritty. The hate turn love relationship between Shao Fei and Tang Yi was just as a relationship should develop. Don't just smash two characters together and tell me they love each other. Give me the backstory. Give me reasons why the other is hesitant, what happened to them that caused them to be this way, etc. Build it up and then let me see the results, and THAT is what HIStory 3 Trapped did. It was amazing how well they worked together, and the story always kept you guessing on what would happen next. As you found things out you were either pleasantly surprised or shocked to be right about a theory. That's what this show did, it gave you a chance to theorize what would happen next. Unlike other dramas in which you know what's going to happen, in this one you didn't. Every step of the way you were wondering, captivated, too far in to just drop it and too committed to the character to not watch it.

On to Zhao and Jack. Beautifully done. I wished there was more time with them, but I have an imagination, I feel things happened behind the main story between these two and I'm appreciative of it. The way they care for each other, it's beautiful.

The story. What can I say I haven't already? WATCH IT! Watch all 20 episodes and you tell me what you think of the story. I honestly feel like I've been on a rollercoaster ride and honestly, I want to ride it again, and perhaps even a third time. Now I can only hope that they do for this one as they did for Crossing the Line and make it into a full-length movie. I mean I can hope, right? I'll just say this. The only thing I wished was different was the scenes between Jack and Zhao. I wanted them to have more time onscreen. Show us their development as you showed Shao Fei and Tang Yi. That's really the only thing I have.

BEST. BL DRAMA. EVER! and believe me when I say I have seen quite a few and will continue to watch them, but this one will forever be etched into my memory.

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Why I think Coffee Prince is magical...and it's still one of the best Kdramas I've ever watched:

Let's face it, the reality of a girl passing herself as a man and almost everyone around her believing it is a bit farfetched. That is the basis for this drama. All of the orbiting comedy, drama, angst and love circles around this unlikely scenario. How this drama pulls it off and makes it possible for you to suspend disbelief is that every other situation in this drama is grounded in an everyday reality.

Eun Chan is the eldest daughter of a family with no father. She has to take care of her mother and younger school age sister. She is a tomboy and added to that, she has no real money to further her education which would have made it possible for her to seek better employment. She works constantly. From sun up until late into the night she goes and goes. Delivering milk, teaching kids Tae Kwando, delivering food, sewing dolls eyes, shelling chestnuts and on and on. She doesn't have the luxury of dressing up, being a pretty girl who can buy clothes, shoes and make up. This back story for Eun Chan grounds that unbelievable idea of people thinking she is a boy in a reality the audience can get behind.

From that starting point Coffee Prince continues its excellent storytelling. Eun Chan isn't looking for love, she is only trying to survive. When she meets Choi Han Gyul her whole world begins to tilt on its axis. Because the writer and actors do such a wonderful job with their characters, it sucked me right in from start to finish. Coffee Prince isn't about high angst and melo. Its dramatic tension is about the budding of a deep love, the fear of telling the truth, the question of whether love knows gender and mostly, forgiveness. This drama worked for me because somehow the director, writer and actors made me feel like a comfortable spectator in every scene, witnessing the story unfolding.

I cannot emphasize enough how well done and addicting this story is all the way through. The side characters of this drama were just as delightful as the leads and that doesn't happen often. Watch out that you don't fall in love with Lee Sun Gyun as Choi Han Seong! This show had a 1 episode extension which prolonged the end just a little bit but didn't drag it down. (17 Episodes total) Thank goodness this drama seemed very well plotted out all along the way.

Gong Yoo and Yoo Eun Hye are wonderful and have amazing chemistry. And not just them...It is a rare thing when any drama or movie comes along and somehow the whole cast seems magically fit for one another. Whether it be lovers, family or friends...this drama truly has that quality.

The music in Coffee Prince is eclectic and fun. The set designs are lovely...even Gae Sik Ahjussi's disgusting apartment! Some of these sets have become tourist spots in Korea you can still visit today.

If you haven't ridden the fun, funny, touching and magical ride that is Coffee Prince, please jump on board. It's worth every minute...I promise. Even after my 5th watch I still find things I adore about this show.

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THE BEST INTIMACY shown in a BL series with the most realistic portray of sex

I have never written a review before, but I had to do so after seeing how unreasonably harsh people were with this show. Yes, it is based on Mame's novels, but it actually brings out the best in them and improves upon them. She’s also not a screenwriter for LITA, so the series has a different feeling from her previous works. It's a rare gem with a beautiful cinematography and great acting and it's sad to see people skipping it because of the other reviews.

First of all, let me get something straight. This series is not an all green flags show. There are definitely some questionable moments, so if you're looking for a fluffy series with a perfectly healthy relashionship, this series is not for you. HOWEVER, both of the relationships portrayed in LITA only start out questionably, later on they develop into quite healthy and well communicated ones. Many people even call Pai as a walking green flag. There is also a speculated hidden dynamic in Payu’s and Rain’s relationship that would explain most of ther “toxic” moments.

Now, when reading OTHER REVIEWS and seeing this:
"TW: (non-consensual touching, homophobia, manipulation, mind games, s*a*, torture)", you’d really think LITA is some kind of twisted show. But this is where the overreaction, too harsh of a criticism and Mame's hatewagon come in play, because:

IN REALITY:
- (mind games, s*a*, torture) refer to Sky’s past. There are some flashbacks and difficult scenes in ep 13, but that’s it.
- (homophobia) refers to a comment / question made by Rain in the first episode, it happened just this once and Rain regrets saying it instantly
- (non-consensual touching) yes, this one is valid.
Still, let’s clarify it a bit - it obviously refers to Sky's past (as most of the brutal and horrible tags do). It also refers to some actions attemted by Payu to Rain, but he never actually does anything in the end. It refers to a scene where he's sniffing / butterfly kissing Rain's neck (not really touching him) and also a scene where he tries to sleep with Rain (so non consensual kissing of his neck), but doesn't after Rain refuses him (though Rain has to say it like 4 times).

Compared to what is normalized and shown in the BL industry today though, it’s laughable that it's LITA that got tagged as 'The toxic show' out of all of them. Yes, there is an obvious dose of toxicity there, but the biggest shows have all done so much worse in terms of consent, like Cutie Pie - taking advantage of a drunk person, Tharn Type - forcing yourself on somebody, Kinn Porsche - taking advantage of a drugged person, torture and so much more. Even shows that have aired recently have done much more, like Big Dragon - taking advantage of a drugged person, Ai Long Nhai - taking advantage of a drunk person, etc. And people don’t say nearly as much about them.

I would actually argue, that apart from the scenes mentioned above and some problematic tropes, this show does a solid job at showing us healthy relationships. We can see it the clear communication, mutual respect and also in the way they interact with each others, which brings me to:

WHY I ADORE THIS SHOW SO MUCH
This series really portrays the most realistic intimacy and sex between partners. And I’m not only talking about the NC scenes, I’m talking about the CASUALITY OF KISSES AND TOUCHES. There is no slow motion and ten different angles for a little peck. There are hugs, pecks, kisses and butt slaps, all given casually, as it should be between partners in a relationship. And when it comes to the NC scenes, they not only portray lust, but also the intimacy and love that real couples have. We can see that both parties want it - there is no 'bottom who endures sex', both people want it and enjoy it equally.

In an interview, Boss (who plays Payu) explained that he had asked Neoul (who plays Rain) how deep (when portraying emotions) can they go in the intimate scenes, to which Neoul responded with “as deep as possible”. Boss also mentioned that they wanted to portay LOVE THROUGH SEX , and that’s exactly what they did. Pai and Sky did an amazing job too. And yes, their scenes didn’t have the same kind of loving and a bit kinky intimacy as Payu and Rain, but their realshionship was also based on completly different emotions which were portrayed very well during their intimate scenes (which were wild at times).

THE PLOT
Some people say that there is no clear plot in this series, but that couldn't be more wrong. It's just that the plot is focused mostly on the development of the relationships, the plot is the relationships. Another storyline throughout this whole show is the student life. I really love that it’s taken seriously and there are actual reprocussions for failing an exam / doing badly at school for the characters. All students know that going to uni is sometimes more taxing than a full time job, especially when studying something like architecture. For Payu and Rain there is also the subplot of bike racing, for Pai and Sky there is the subplot of mental healing and trauma. But the main plot is the couples' relationship developmnet, which may not be everybody's cup of tea.

THE STORY OF PAYU AND RAIN (ep 1-7) starts out kinda questionably like I already explained, but progresses into something amazing and sweet. I especially love the character development of Rain, who gets progressively more serious and responsible about his schoolwork and confident in his relationship and needs. I love how he strats teasing Payu back and expresses his own needs for intimacy (he’s not afraid to initiate the touches / kisses) and I love how patient Payu is with him. And can we talk about how this show lets Rain discover his kink and actually acknowledges it (especially in the special episode)? It's done so casually and there is no weirdness about it, it just becomes a part of their relationship. The characters can feel a bit unreal sometimes (Rain is sweet, but kinda cartoonish at times and Payu is a bit too perfect), but it doesn't take away from the rawness and realness of their relationship.

There is a suggestion that Payu and Rain have a Dom / Sub dynamic. It was brought to light by people from the scene, who said that it’s very easy to recognize once you are in the know. To me it makes a perfect sense and adds a lot more depth to their relationship. It’s shown in some obvious and many subtle ways (like Payu saying things like “Answer me”, “Sit still”, the constant conversation around rewards and punishment, etc.) and it shows their early “toxic moments” from a different perspective. If you are interested to know more, please read my reply to Meca’s comment under this review, it’s explained in details (it contains spoilers, so beware).

THE STORY OF SKY AND PAI (ep 7 - 13) is a story of healing. We've got a flamboyant CEO Pai and a sassy but traumatised Sky, which creates an interesting dynamic. Although their first meeting is questionable and Pai turns into a lowkey stalker for a bit, when he sees Sky for who he truly is later on, he turns into the biggest walking green flag ever. The way Pai's always there for Sky, being patient with him and honestly just being happy seeing him and being with him is beautiful - as is seeing him, the playboy he is, putting Sky's need for intimacy (or lack of) before his own. We can also see how Sky slowly opens up and doesn’t see sex (or himself for that matter) as dirty anymore. I appreciate the clear communication after a misunderstanding and how Pai always double checks before doing anything with Sky, just to be super sure.

Both couples turned out to be different in the end, in a good way. Rain and Payu are the sweet, loving, but kinky daddy / baby dynamic couple, who have the most scorchingly intimate but also sweet sex. Sky and Pai are the couple who are careful to double check consent and communicate things through, but also have a high sex drive and thus end up having the wildest sex with Sky being an obvious power bottom.

OTHER THINGS I LOVED:
- The show is fast paced (because it squeezes 2 books into 1 series), but that makes it perfect. There are no unnecesary conflicts just to drag it out. It’s a fairly straightforward and nice watch.

- The ACTING. Although sometimes there were shortcomings, you would never have know that all of the 4 main actors are rookies. They did a truly fantasctic job portraying the characters.

- The cinematography is simply BEAUTIFUL.

- The SPECIAL EPISODE is a cheffs kiss, please watch it if you haven’t yet.

- The breaking of the stereotypes when it comes to sex and portray of intimacy.

- The comedic duo that Sky and Rain are, their dynamic is super cute and funny as best friends.


THINGS THAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT:
- The sound editing, it just wasn’t right sometimes. The loudness of the music was weird at places.

- The last episode felt a bit rushed, though the special episode definitely makes up for it.

- The problems with consent (like mentioned). Payu’s and Rain’s realtionship started a bit doubtiously and it was on a very thin line from being a non-con. Though if you count in the Dom / Sub explanation of their relationship, it may not have been as non-con as it seemed, but that’s up to you to decide. And Pai’s stalkishness at the beginning also felt very abuse of power-y.

- The series has a slight unrealistic / wattpady feel to it, it’s a clear fiction.

- Some undeveloped plot lines. I really want to know more about P'Pakin and the bike races, like who is he? Does he have connections to the mafia? How did he get to know Payu?


IN CONCLUSION, if you want a clean show where everybody is a walking green flag and there is 100% consent with everything, then LITA is not for you. But if don’t mind some toxicity and can bear to see Sky’s flashbacks of his difficult and abusive past in ep. 13, then PLEASE, WATCH THE SHOW. It has so much to offer, so much sweetness, cuteness and sexiness, it would be a shame not to give it a try. The intimacy, chemisty, cinematography and acting are all excellent. It also comes with a delicious special episode as a cherry on top.

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I rarely ever write reviews and can never find the time for them but this one deserves one. It never got the spotlight or attention it truly deserved and now that it is over, I plan to give it the recognition that is due.

Through this story, I have realized what separates Asian movies from Western ones. While Western ones are built upon conflict, Asian ones are focused on relations and interaction. The difference is glaring. How one takes out the enemy versus how one changes because of the enemy. This story is the latter.

This story is one that I watched every week, enduring the cliffhangers and thirst for the truth. One where I would go on this site after ever episode, checking other people's comments and opinions. One where I checked dramabean after every update to see minds at work and passionate discussions. Besides anime, I have never done this in my life and I did not regret it. With these types of mysteries, it is hard to move the story along or make a good ending but this did just that. Even when you think the story isn't moving, it is and with every seemingly unimportant shot can be the answer to the mystery.

The cinematography took my breath away, sank my eyes deep into that world as it showed me a story. The attention to detail, the beautiful transitions between episodes and the episode numbers!! (If you have watched, you know what I'm talking about. ) The attention and work put into something most viewers wouldn't even catch, my respects to all that worked on this project.

The music was not an independent variable in this production but was an element that enhanced the story. It was the natural background that fits with every scene. It was never placed incorrectly or never stole the spotlight. It simply did its part. I could listen to this drama OST for the rest of my life and not be tired. I went to look for the 1-hour version right after release.

The actors, Oh my. I have been keeping a watchful eye on Kim Seo Hyung since Sky Castle and her role as Young-Jin really left a mark on me. I forgot she even played that role after watching this. I now can only see her as Young Jin. You kind of have to watch for yourself to believe it but everyone's acting was amazing. From someone's eye, the change in emotion can be traced. Not one of these actors made me think of their roles beyond this drama. Their character, persona sunk deep. Their ability to bring a written character to life like that amazes me.

I know the mystery killer kinda plot isn't everyone's cup of tea, and it doesn't have to be. BUT if you are even a little bit interested in witnessing the growth and relationship of these people, I say give it a watch. I think for all those who have watched, it wasn't a disappointment or a waste of time. The lessons and takeaways being told through an adult and child stick and kind of mess you up. It slaps the problems of the world in your face and forces you to acknowledge their existence. AND so, I implore you, give it a chance. Maybe, it will change you too.

To avoid making this longer...I will leave this with that. I hope it enlightens your soul :)

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I know there are already many reviews but I never felt such urgency to tell how much I have loved a show.
This drama was so refreshing and comforting, a complete year-end surprise. Never two friends became lovers so naturally. Never friendship, family and love were portrayed as adorably well as here. I didn't expect it to be so addictive and beautiful, I'm speechless.

STORY
The story itself seemed very attractive, but after seeing the first ep I felt somewhat disappointed. But thank God I didn't dropped it! From the fourth episode the quality increased a lot, the story took shape and the characters looked better defined. No doubt they took full advantage of this beautiful plot that only took the sport as an excuse to show how two friends fall in love as they struggle to achieve their dreams. No weak characters, no idiots and abusive male leads. I love the way this portrays the youth and its warmth.

ACTING
Applause for everyone! If I was already surprised by the drastic change of character Sung Kyung ventured into when she accepted this role, I was more surprised when I saw Joo Hyuk's adorable performance, which translated into the couple's insuperable chemistry. Seriously, I can never accept that they don't act side by side.
The secondary performances were also more than charming.

OVERALL
I finished this drama full of hope, as if suddenly I had injected a great dose of energy to get ahead. All of it reminds you how beautiful life can be. Give yourself the pleasure of watching this drama! Impossible to repent later. Oh and I almost forgot: SWAAAAAG!

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I will mention BOTH the good and the bad of this show----- SO THIS IS KIND OF LONG, SORRY.

THIS SHOW IS HONESTLY AT THE LEVEL OF MASTER'S SUN, YWCFTS, AND HEALER. It is one of the best so far for 2015.

At a first glance, this show may seem like a mess. When I began watching this show I had VERY low expectations because of the description -- rich chaebol with memory lapses and 7 different personalities falling in love with a docto......... it sounded like a recipe for disaster.

But, don't worry because the writing and production team turned KMHM into a masterpiece with the help of main actor Ji Sung. ALSO, the title Kill Me, Heal Me is beautifully illustrated in the show--I cried tears of happiness when I saw the meaning.

Not only is the show itself well-written, it is CONSISTENTLY GOOD. Where many other dramas slowly fall apart half-way through the series, this show managed to keep delivering quality episodes from start to finish. the actors also flesh out their characters and fill the show with meaningful symbolism.

ACTING: Ji Sung is, hands down, the BEST ACTOR I have ever seen in a Korean drama. (My opinion only--pls don't be offended) He makes me laugh with him and then immediately cry a few seconds later. If that isn't superb acting ability, I don't know what is. The screen romantic chemistry between the two leads are also OFF THE CHARTS. They are amazing together because this is the 2nd time they've acted together! :-) Anyhow, I have only praise for the acting in this drama.

MUSIC: 1/3 of the reason why I cry every episode is the music. The main OST, Auditory Hallucination, is a perfect mixture of rap and soft singing, and this contrast between soft and rough reminds me of the doctor's healing and the main character's tragic anger. After watching the first two episodes, I've been listening to this song every single day for the past 2 months. In fact, tears are rolling as I write this--I'm listening to it right now. The other songs are also perfectly timed, although they didn't leave as heavy of an impact on me.

PLOT:
Multiple-personality disorder is a sensitive and controversial issue that can easily be misrepresented or shown with a lack of seriousness. KMHM manages to avoid this problem despite its hilarity. The plot successfully transitions from comedy to tragedy in mere seconds, and this is the reason for its success: by having light comedy first, it then forces us to look at the sad situation of personality disorders without us looking away.

Many people, including me, dislike pure melodrama--and KMHM did a great job of softening the blow while maintaining its seriousness. I promise you there ARE hilarious situations every episode, but overall the show leaves you wondering about what the main character had to go through in his life. This show makes us feel pity for the characters without using cheap tricks.

An evidence of this show's success would be when fans of this show fundraised over $3000 in a week (american dollars) for a cause after watching the show.

REWATCH: YES YES YES. I personally watched this 2 times before writing a review. I plan on watching it again in a couple of months.

NOW, time for my CRITICISMS:
- One thing this show overdid was its flashbacks. This can get a bit annoying after 14 episodes, so make sure to skip ahead if you ever get tired of it. (skipping some flashbacks will help you have a good experience with this drama)
- The main female lead's high pitched screaming can be very loud and irritating---especially for people with sensitive ears. Be careful with the volume control, guys and girls. I personally got used to it, but I know some people who couldn't stand her voice.

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I am not sure I can properly find the words to describe how exactly I feel about this drama, but here I go.

-I solely picked up this drama because of the leads, but i wasn't disappointed. At all. Certainly not by the acting, as everyone, but specially Jung Hae In and Chae Soo Bin did a wonderful portrayal of their characters.

-The best way I can describe this drama is like taking long sips of warm tea of a rainy day. That's how it felt like to me. It has this warm feel to it, if that makes sense. It wasn't just another romance drama, it was something different.

-I simply adored the chemistry between the main leads. I loved their slow burn relationship. The way they grew to love and respect each other. Another thing, that I just can't thank the writer enough was the fact that they had tons of scene together.
I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but this one didn't really have a lot of supporting characters. Don't get me wrong, it had enough, but definitely not as much as compared to other Kdramas. Maybe some people would find that not that of a good thing, but since I was invested in the main leads relationship, I didn't really mind. I loved it, if anything.

-After the first few episodes, it almost felt like nothing was "actually" happening but each episode was so comforting and relaxing to watch. I always looked forward to the next episodes! Which takes me to my next point.

-This is not exactly a binge-able drama. As much as I loved it, even I admit had I watched it in one go, I probably wouldn't have been this taken with it. This drama is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Although that's not to say that people won't enjoy marathoning it. After all, everyone has different tastes.

-I'm trying very hard to be subjective here, so I won't say that it's a mind blowing drama. In fact, if any one were to ask it WHY did I love it this much, I probably wouldn't be able to point it out. Was it because I love Jung Hae In (& Chae Soo Bin, but not to that extent), was it because of the whole unrequited love plot (I'm a sucker for those), was it because of the pacing or was it just a combination of everything? Like I said, I'm not sure. But I do know that loved this drama very, very much. And that doesn't happen to me now as much.

-I am not going to comment much on the technological aspect of the drama because I am not that familiar with it. But there were a few things that would seem a bit absurd at times.

-I didn't quite get the point of Min Jung's character. I mean usually a supporting character is there to, you know, support the story. But it felt like she was just there. Also, I didn't enjoy the whole Soon Ho- In Wool relationship. I didn't see it, I didn't feel it, so there you go. But for both of these things, I am guessing it's only me as I haven't seen anyone else making a comment on these.

I feel like every drama has its strong and weak points. So had this one. I have tried to summarize them the best i could. Regard less of any thing, i loved this drama, and i was really disappointed that it got cut short.

I really hope you give this one a chance! Happy Watching!!

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When fiction meets reality...

As a sociologist and someone from a country that went through two dictatorships, Youth of May, a drama that addresses one of the most tragic moments in South Korean history (which took place during a dictatorial period, it is important to emphasize) caught my attention.

I usually believe that art in general, including dramas, has a social function, which is to remember, even what we most want to forget, because even what causes us sadness is part of the stories we experience and it is of course, the stories that make up a country and its people.

And in Youth of May it is possible to identify this effort to revive the collective memory, mixing fictional aspects and others that go back to the often cruel reality. For, against the background of the Gwangju massacre, Youth of May portrays the multiple deaths that can be experienced in traumatic events.

"Death" does not always refer to the body, but to dreams that are not lived, hopes that are dashed and reputations destroyed. Making you question what it means to live? Is a person who has given up on their dreams alive in some way or is they dying with each passing day?

That's the question I asked myself when I was introduced to the protagonists, especially Myung Hee who, for various reasons, is forced to give up her own future until finally the opportunity to leave for another place arises. But what to do, when meeting Hwang Hee Tae, our male protagonist, she finally decides to live...

Giving up a "fair" path that allowed her to live securely in sacrifice of her own happiness, Myung Hee experiences love, fear, self-pity, while questioning herself and her own values. Feelings that are interesting, as the protagonist starts to question herself and her choices, while she sees the self-control she had slip through her hands, replaced by the possibility of living a love...

Already with Hwang Hee Tae we learn somehow about remorse, about autonomy and responsibility and, in a way, submission, while he is willing to exchange his own future for the possibility of saving someone from the past, aspiration ruined for an "exchange" , who made him meet Myung Hee on a blind date. He who was willing to give up on himself found a reason not to abandon himself...

It is from this exchange that Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee live their love, intensified by the almost instantaneous attraction and historical moment they were experiencing, as well as by the networks of relationships that tied them to a reality that cannot be defined in any way. positive. After all, the use of repression against the innocent will never cease to be regrettable.

The relationship created between the historical event, the novel presented and the other relationships demonstrated allows us to think about abstract concepts such as justice, injustice, insurgency, freedom and the false feeling of being free, as in the case of Soo Ryeon and Soo Chan's family, our secondary characters. Being Soo Chan awakened from his illusion in the final part of the work.

It is noteworthy that this symbiotic relationship (dramatized historical event + romance + family) also allows us to think about how hard reality can be. Because, through the characters, it was possible, at least for me, to somehow establish a connection with the feelings evoked and delve a little deeper into the presented historical fact.

It's as if somehow it was possible to bring, with the plot presented, an understanding even if shallow of the difficulties of those who did not have their stories told. I wonder if I'm traveling, but I got this feeling while wandering.

And finally, with the sum of the novel, with the representations (which still do not represent the full complexity of such violence) accompanied by worthy performances, the doors are opened to seek to know a little more about the true Youth of may.

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好好活着 (Hǎo hǎo huó zhe)

These four characters, 好好活着, are repeated throughout the drama by different characters: Shen Jialan's mother, Xu Lanxiang's mother, Xu Lanxiang herself, Lin Jinqi, and even Zhao Xingtang, among many. The literal English translation is usually something like "live well," but I don't think that quite captures the essence of the phrase. To me, 好好活着 means surviving by whatever means necessary, no matter how difficult or desperate the circumstances are.

Shen Jialan's mother wants her daughter to survive despite the annihilation of their entire clan. Xu Lanxiang's mother tells her to survive like grass—bend with the wind, but don't break. Despite being used by her family as a pawn for their advancement through marriage, Zhao Xingtang survives by fighting back. Lin Jinqi survives by constantly examining himself, listening to other people's opinions, and learning to compromise when it leads to the best outcome. Even after suffering grave injuries, he struggles to stay alive, with his life hanging by a thread.

And Xu Lanxiang? She learns to survive by becoming extremely observant. She watches everything around her, keeps a low profile, and avoids attracting unnecessary attention. She becomes as slippery as an eel—almost impossible to catch—and that very ability helps her escape one dangerous situation after another.

For me, this is the true meaning behind 好好活着. It doesn't simply mean "live well." It means you must fight to survive, no matter what, as long as you don't hurt innocent people. That's where the 好 comes in.

And I think that's the central message of this drama.

I originally tried to write a short review, but there are simply too many details that I find interesting and meaningful. I'm afraid that if I make it too short, I'll lose some of what makes this drama special. So, if you find this review too long, feel free to scroll down to the Final Words section.

👉Xu Lanxiang's Story

Xu Lanxiang was actually Shen Jialan, the sole survivor of the annihilation of the Shen family. And her ultimate goal was to clear her family's name.

The annihilation of the Shen family in the drama is based on a real and particularly brutal episode in Chinese history involving Fang Xiaoru (方孝孺), an advisor to the Jianwen Emperor.

After Zhu Di seized the throne and became the Yongle Emperor, Fang Xiaoru refused to serve the new emperor. According to the historical account, Zhu Di ordered the execution of Fang Xiaoru's relatives across the so-called ten kinships, with his students ultimately included as the tenth category. In total, 873 people are said to have been executed.

The drama takes this historical tragedy and creates Shen Jialan's story within it. In the drama, Shen Jialan is the only survivor.

This changes how we should understand Lanxiang. Survival is not her final destination; it is the means to an end. She has to stay alive, remain hidden, and protect the people who saved her so that one day she can restore the reputation of the family that was erased.

Being a playwright under the pseudo name Shen Rugu (沈如故), she writes her own story into plays and lets her audience discover the truth through her words.

Once we understand this, her guarded relationship with Lin Jinqi also makes much more sense.

Many viewers have commented that Jinqi's love for Lanxiang seems much stronger than Lanxiang's love for him, or that she never truly reciprocates his feelings. I can understand why some viewers see it that way.

But Lanxiang's heart is occupied by something larger than romance. She respects Jinqi, grows to love him, and clearly cares deeply about him. Yet she cannot simply abandon the purpose that has guided her entire life.

Her restraint is not necessarily a lack of love. She knows that she has a family name to restore and a truth to preserve.

That is why I find Lanxiang's character easier to empathize with once her true motivation is understood. She isn't simply a woman hesitating to accept the love of a man who adores her. She's a survivor who has spent her entire life carrying the burden of a family that no longer exists.

The opening scene is therefore especially heartbreaking. Shen Jialan suddenly finds her entire world turned upside down. She goes from being a highly regarded, well-educated young woman to becoming the poverty-stricken, sickly daughter of a slave couple.

The opening also immediately shows us how important a woman's chastity was in that society. The threat of sexual violation was so devastating that some women would rather take their own lives than live with the shame.

Shen Jialan's instinct for survival saves her from the mass suicide. And that same instinct continues to save her throughout her life as Xu Lanxiang—from her days as a lowly servant girl to eventually becoming the powerful first madam of her husband's noble household.

This brings us back to 好好活着.

For Lanxiang, surviving isn't simply about staying alive. She survives because she still has a purpose: to protect those who saved her and, ultimately, to restore the name of the family she lost.

👉The Setting

Although the drama never explicitly says so, the setting appears to be based on the Ming Dynasty, and judging from the historical events referenced at the beginning of the drama, it seems to be around the Yongle era, during the reign of the third Ming emperor, Zhu Di.

The historical background is particularly important here because the annihilation of the Shen family is drawn from the historical persecution of Fang Xiaoru. This historical foundation also helps explain the atmosphere of the entire drama.

Confucian values are practiced to an extreme, and family hierarchy, social status, loyalty, reputation, and obedience are treated as matters of life and death.

One of the things I love most about this drama is the way it portrays everyday life, people, and the passage of time. It doesn't always explain things through dialogue. Instead, it shows us.

We see the detailed workings of a conservative noble household: how men and women behave, how family members interact, and how servants are treated. And the treatment of servants can be absolutely brutal.

At the center of all this is Xu Lanxiang, trying to survive in this harsh environment while somehow helping both her fellow servants and the people she serves.

Every detail is a clue. Nothing feels completely random or wasted.

For example, the plaques hanging above the main halls tell us what each family values.

The Shen family's plaque says 惟善德馨 (wéi shàn dé xīn)—roughly, "virtue brings honor." To me, it represents the idea that glory is temporary, while compassion and virtue endure. This is the philosophy that shaped Xu Lanxiang, or rather, Shen Jialan.

The Lin family's plaque says 惟永懷圖 (wéi yǒng huái tú), conveying the idea of always thinking about and planning for the future rather than focusing only on the present.

And that perfectly sets up Lin Jinqi's character.

With just a few characters on a plaque, the director establishes the values of the two families—and, by extension, the values that shape our two leads.

I love this kind of storytelling.

👉 Characters and Acting
Xu Lanxiang — Tan Songyun

Casting Tan Songyun was an excellent choice. Even though she was 36 when she played the role, she can convincingly pass as a much younger woman at the beginning and then naturally grow into the role of the lady of the household.

Tan Songyun brings a maturity to Lanxiang's personality without making her feel artificially sophisticated.

She has incredibly expressive eyes that can communicate so much emotion without saying a word. A lot of Lanxiang's strength comes from her ability to observe rather than speak, so this quality works especially well for the character.

I wish the team had used Tan Songyun as the younger Shen Jialan as well, as the change in actors has made a big shift in the aura, look, and feel of what is supposedly the same person. Furthermore, Tan Songyun has played many roles convincingly as young schoolgirls. I believe she could have played an excellent Shen Jialan.

Lin Jinqi — Liu Xueyi

Lin Jinqi is serious and stoic on the outside, but in private he's actually quite affable and surprisingly open to the opinions of the people around him.

From a young age, his wise mother teaches him that one tree cannot make a forest. He needs his siblings, and he needs to take care of them, to create his "forest"—which is especially fitting given that his family name, Lin (林), literally means "forest."

That philosophy explains a lot about Jinqi.

He's kind to his family and takes responsibility for them, and in return, they give him their loyalty and support. There are quite a few scenes of Lin Jinqi simply spending time with his siblings, and those scenes are genuinely heartwarming.

But Lin Jinqi is also a controversial character.

Many viewers love him. Many others absolutely loathe him because he forces a free Lanxiang to marry him through an imperial decree. Later, he even drugs her so that he can bring her to the capital when she initially refuses to go.

I understand why viewers are angry with him. I'm not trying to glorify what he did.

But I do think it's important to remember that the concept of "freedom" in ancient China was very different from our modern understanding of individual freedom, particularly when it came to women.

I'm not saying, "It was the past, so everything is excused." Rather, I think the character needs to be understood within the social structure of his time. Men—especially powerful men—held enormous authority, while women often had very little control over major decisions, particularly marriage.

From Jinqi's perspective, he genuinely believed that what he was doing would benefit Lanxiang. He thought he was saving her from poverty and giving her the kind of status and security that most women of that era would have considered desirable.

He fell in love with Lanxiang precisely because she was different. But ironically, he still assumed that when it came to major life decisions, she would ultimately want the same things other women wanted.

In his selfish little mind, if he was going to make the decision for her anyway, why not make what he believed was the better decision?

I can understand his motivation, even though I don't necessarily agree with his actions.

And despite all of this, I absolutely enjoyed the humor Lin Jinqi brings to the drama. He makes the character much more lovable than he has any right to be.

And Liu Xueyi?

Wickedly good-looking.

As Lin Jinqi, he is probably the most desirable character in the drama—mature, serious, intimidating, and powerful. But behind the scenes, Liu Xueyi is apparently one of the goofiest people around.

His acting is a 10/10 for me.

He's stern without ever becoming wooden, and his micro-expressions are incredibly well executed. You can tell exactly when Jinqi is happy, sad, puzzled, suspicious, or deep in thought, even when he barely moves his face.

Liu Xueyi also has a commanding presence that makes him a very believable—and surprisingly lovable—大爷 (dà yé), or "big master," of the Lin household.

👉Official Soundtrack

The drama also has a wonderful collection of ballads, sung by different artists in soft, almost haunting voices. They feel like reflections on the pain endured by the people living behind the high walls of these mansions.

My favorite songs are 《大梦归》 (Return of the Big Dream), the ending theme sung by Zhou Shen, and 《我來書寫我的名》 (I Will Write My Own Name), sung by Wang Zhengliang.

《大梦归》 feels like Lanxiang's story—the pain she has endured and her determination to move forward rather than allowing the past to consume her.

《我來書寫我的名》, on the other hand, feels like Lin Jinqi's story. It's about his determination to go against the current and carve out a new life for himself and Lanxiang, breaking away from the traditions and expectations he inherited as the eldest grandson of a conservative, high-status family.

👉Final Words

This is a beautifully produced drama. It is visually stunning, but its real beauty lies in the culture, philosophy, politics, and everyday lives of both the servants and the nobles. This is not a drama you can watch casually while scrolling on your phone. It requires patience and attention.

At first, it may seem like very little is happening to the main characters in each episode. But actually, a lot is happening in the background. The details are subtle and often tiny, but they contribute enormously to the story.

I especially love the way the drama uses a recurring character as a marker of the passage of time. It's such an ingenious little storytelling device. I love how carefully the director incorporates all those tiny details, especially through visuals rather than dialogue. I love the beautiful framing of almost every shot. I love all the humor scattered throughout the episodes—even during scenes involving death. I love the serenity of the whole setting. And I love how it stirs up my emotions in almost every episode.

The drama gives us a detailed look into the life of an elite household during the Ming Dynasty—a household where the head of the family has enormous power over the lives and deaths of everyone beneath him.

And despite all the talk about Confucian morality and social order, the society underneath is full of double standards, hypocrisy, corruption, and rot.

The drama also makes an interesting point about politics: there isn't necessarily a "protagonist" or "antagonist" in politics. Those labels often depend entirely on which side you're standing on.

The winner becomes the hero.

The loser becomes the villain who supposedly deserved to be punished or executed.

Is this drama perfect?

Well, there are definitely too many coincidences that remind us we're watching a drama.

For example, Xu Lanxiang's adoptive parents happen to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time—even though there was no particular reason for them to be there—and can swap places with their dead daughter and rescue Shen Jialan.

When Lanxiang escapes from the brothel, someone just happens to be waiting at the dock and manages to lure her out with singing, despite the fact that the villains are desperately searching for her.

Even the painting that becomes an important clue to Lanxiang's true identity happens to be accidentally picked up by her adoptive father, who is illiterate, and eventually sold to Lin Jinqi's grandfather.

And Lanxiang herself is almost too perfect. She always seems to have an answer and a solution to everything and rarely, if ever, makes a serious mistake. That's not particularly realistic.

Even though he and Lanxiang eventually have children and a happy family, I still finished the drama with a heavy heart. I pondered over the ending for days before I finally understood why the director chose to end the story the way they did in Episode 47. The director wasn't simply giving us a glimpse of the ending of Lanxiang; they were bringing us back to Lanxiang's ultimate mission, which also explains why she treated Jinqi the way she did throughout the drama. Once I understood that, everything finally fell into place. What initially left me feeling sad and unsettled became, in retrospect, a deeply meaningful and beautiful ending.

A wonderful, heartwarming watch. Strongly recommended. Don't miss it. Bravo!

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Once in a while you get those films where you can just simply watch it. No angst, no forced laughter, no tears but just sit through it and feel refreshed just watching it? This movie is one of them. This is one of the most refreshing stories I've ever watched. The story was simple, with a simple message. How coming back to your own roots is actually helpful. This gives a certain feel of nostalgia too. It definitely reminded me of my own grandmother's house and how she did everything from scratch.
Being from the suburbs and living more than half of my life in the city, seeing such simple-ness was very refreshing for me. Part of me almost wanted to go and live there. Give up everything and just go to a village and farm and live. Then again it made me think, after being brought up in the city can we actually do that? I was jealous of Hae-won through out the movie. She had a place to return to and most importantly she knew how to return and live their comfortably.
I really wish there is another movie for this like the Japanese adaption of this because for some reason I felt this movie deep within. It was beautifully and artistically done.
One of the best films to just watch during summer, alone on the verandah, with a cool drink and a snack at hand. (Stressing on the snack cuz believe me this movie makes you want to eat)

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I almost didn’t want to write anything about this movie because I felt that I couldn’t possibly explain in words all that it made me feel but, to be honest, I feel like the current reviews on here are a major disservice to its beauty. So with my lacking self, I’ll try as much as I can to properly explain to you why this film is an absolute masterpiece and more.

If you’ve read the real history of Prince Sado, you would know that he was a horrible monster of a man. The tales are filled with his brutality. He’s one of the most controversial figures in history. A man so scarred by his father that he lost his mind along with his humanity. But this film is not about the atrocities he commited. It’s about what made him that way. What turned a bright, warm-hearted and full of life man into a madman starved of affection, who wreaked havoc wherever he went. It’s an entirely different interpretation and considerably more heart breaking. For this movie, do away with all your past knowledge of history and shatter all the preconceived notions. Because if you let it, it will move you to an extent you didn’t know was possible.

Kings cannot be fathers. Sado is essentially a story about how a King driven by his own fears and inferiority complex, destroys his son’s life. It’s about a filial son who could never win his father’s favor no matter the extent of loyalty and affection he showed. It’s about little sacrifices and huge betrayals. But most of all, it’s about how love holds no meaning when there is no understanding.

This film isn’t an easy watch. The emotional and physical abuse of such a pure--hearted man breaks your soul. There are a lot of gray areas. No concrete villains or heroes. No absolute goodness or evil. Even when you want to detest some characters, you can’t. Because the tragedy of it all is just too great.

The moment I started this film, I knew I won’t be coming out unscathed. I had a tight ball of dread firmly lodged in the back of my throat and as I continued watching, that ball quickly transformed into liquid misery and came running down my cheeks. As soon as I wiped my tears, they were replaced by more. So much so, that I just stopped wiping them at all. Halfway through, I could literally feel my cheeks burning. And my heart? I felt as if there were a thousand hammers crushing it to dust.

The funny thing is, I didn’t even watch this in one go. During one of the most intense scenes of the film, something urgent came up and unfortunately I had to put a stop to it. The only time I had, to pick it back up was an hour before I had to go somewhere. I was dressed up and had my makeup on. Only 30 minutes of the film was left and because so much time had passed since I first started watching it, I thought “oh well, now the tempo is broken, I won’t be as affected anymore. Let’s get done with it and lay my curiosity to bed”. I was wrong of course, because the moment I pressed play I was back in that horrible world- as if no time had passed at all.
I remember just staring at the screen for at least 5 minutes even after the ending credits had rolled and needless to say, my makeup was a mess. I had to do it all over again.

I know that this is an acquired taste. Nobody likes too much sad shit- excessive sobbing and you lose the emotional appeal entirely. But the thing with Sado is, even when it is over the top, it somehow feels justified and doesn’t fail to pack jarring punches one after the other. It’s disturbing and yet, simple in its execution.

After this movie was released, people invented the term “ Yoo Ah In Shi Dae” which means “Time of Yoo Ah In” or “Yoo Ah In’s Golden Age” and I honestly cannot refute it. There are no words, no expressions in which I can describe the brilliance that was his acting. This, in my opinion, is his best work ever. You can see him go the extra mile and portray an extremely controversial character in such a heart-wrenchingly sincere way that it makes you weep.
The rest of the cast hold their own. They are all spectacular. The women, The King and especially the child actors.

It’s been 11 months since I last gave out a ten rating. Usually, when I rate something I deliberate a lot about it but surprisingly whenever I give out my 10’s, I don’t think or fuss at all. It’s always spontaneous and absolute. I know there could be flaws but my heart completely overcomes any critical thinking I could have done and I have no regrets.

The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, both manic and melancholic; perfectly embodying the Prince’s life. The fusion of past and present is impeccably done. The movie caters to small details, for example: the resemblance between the the actors playing the past and present of a character is remarkable, thus increasing authenticity.

I will re-watch this. There’s no doubt about that, but only when I’m feeling particularly masochistic.
Watch this if you want to experience the cream of Korean Cinema.

Enjoy!

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A ten year secret crush finally sees the light of the day

A refreshing, non-melodramatic story with a unique perspective, a story of mutual unrequited love that seemingly ends a decade ago due to various coincidences. A new opportunity unexpectedly brings the two back together.

Ruan Yu, the FL, used the unrequited love from ten years ago as the creative material for her new book. Before her new book's release it's embroiled in plagiarism accusations.
And for Xu Huaisong, the ML, 'a text RYXHXHS' sent by his sister changed everything! It turned out that the girl he had a crush on had also been secretly in love with him all along.

Even though he knows they have a mutual crush, he plays a little game to get closer, not reckless but with eyes full of affection. While helping her with the case, he brings their decade-long deep love and tenderness to life. It turns out that a mutual commitment, ten years overdue, was still incredibly exciting!

Wei Zheming's portrayal of Xu Huaisong paired with Zheng Hehuizi's Ruan Yu, is a perfect match, complementing each other beautifully. The emotional fluctuations between the two are frequent and intense.
Their sweet, back-and-forth interactions are always just right making it very comfortable and enjoyable to watch.

Supporting cast: I love the character Liu Mao! He's used as a scapegoat by Xu Huaisong all the time but he is absolutely loyal to Xu Huaisong. Their playful banter is hilarious. Xu Huaisong's sister and her classmate are a playful pair. Ruan Yu has a realistic best friend Shen Mingying. Cen Si Si is the trouble maker. Li Shi Can yet to appear (4 episodes in) The actors performances are all on point and the cinematography is great.

With such a super interesting plot and characters, amazing acting and cinematography I can't wait to watch how the ten year mutual crush finally sees the light of the day. If you are a fan of mutual crushes, sweet love stories and light hearted comedy, this one is for you.

Review after Episode 19
Still watching and enjoying the show. It's silly, funny, entertaining and relaxing overall.
Special mention to the bgm and sound effects for funny scenes. Afterall it elevates the already good comedic timing of the actors.
The overall narrative of the story shows promise. However, the pacing seems to have slowed down somewhere in the middle around episodes 14/15. Rather than advancing the plot, the story often repeats the same kind of events with fillers. I thought it would have been far more interesting and engaging for viewers if there was more focus on the side stories of Liu Mao/Shen Mingying and Xu Huashi/Zhao Yi.

The final 5-6 episodes let us see some great advancement in the leads romance storyline, professional success, resolved family conflicts, development to the side stories, bringing a structural, definitive and happy closure to the series. Absolutely enjoyable series.

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