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If “Love Between Fairy and Devil” & “Till the End of the Moon” had a low-budget baby…
…it would be this mini-series!So if you like the premise of either but can’t commit to 30+ episodes for each show, then give this a try first. Yes, it’s a mess, but that’s characteristic for mini-series so I find it easy to overlook plot holes and wacky writing for the sake of a fast Xianxia fix.
The plot follows Zhao Lu, a fox spirit (?) played by Lin Jin Yi. She’s a fun character for the most part, mischievous and strong-willed with a bit of a mean streak. Her sect is eradicated by the Demon Lord Lin Fan Ying, so her master sends her back in time to kill the enemy before he becomes powerful enough to kill them. (Yes, just like TtEotM.) 300 years in the past, she meets the Demon Lord as Mu Ting, the young heir to his throne who has yet to turn evil. Through some magic mishaps they become tied together so that any pain or harm done to the FL is suffered by the ML instead. (Yes, just like LBFaD.)
I’m convinced they cast, dressed, and styled Jerome Deng, who plays Mu Ting/the Demon Lord, to resemble Dylan Wang in LBFaD as closely as possible. And while he’s very pretty, his acting was wooden and could have been stronger. Still, I enjoyed seeing his character on screen, and in the physical dimension, he had strong chemistry with the female lead.
I don’t know what to say about the plot…it meanders. It’s chaotic. It leaves no room whatsoever between big events to breathe. Such is the fate of a mini-series. For someone with an attention span as short as mine, it can be a blessing — there’s absolutely no room for filler. But that also means there’s no room for relationships and plotlines to develop in a natural, meaningful way.
TROPES, for those interested (light spoilers):
- ML falls first and quickly
- mischievous, strong-willed FL with a tiny bit of moral greyness
- jealous, possessive, clingy, totally whipped ML
- annoying SFLs
- love square… 3 men fall for the FL
- time travel, change of fate, fated connection
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This review may contain spoilers
Everyone deserve a second chance?
This drama came from my same list that had Amanza, melancholia, move to heaven and Doctor John, all of them set in dramas that I am not used to seeing and all of them were my favorites.It is very slow, I even watched it at 1.5x speed because if I don't I would never end, but that was not a problem for me.
It has graphic scenes of violence and they are always talking about the heavier cases like prostitution and rape, which I found very interesting, since Korea itself has a lot of these cases but they are usually very "covered up".
Does everyone deserve a second chance? I think this is the main point of the dorama, here, we see two sides, the FM even mentions that they could minor offenders and gives maximum penalty whenever possible, after all, they committed a crime, being a minor or not. On the other side, we see ML who understands that they are young offenders but that some need to have the chance to possess a second chance. I thought it was very well written that in some moments, which one of the two is right weighed heavily on the episode, but in the end we came to the same conclusion:
It is not up to us who saw it to judge who deserves a second chance or not and yes, to the judges based on evidence.
Overall, it was a very different drama from what I watch and always in the second episode of all the stories I was extremely heartbroken because I realized that the story doesn't end after the trial, after all, the victims and the families will always suffer about what the minor offender did.
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There were some delays with the subbing so it kept me waiting and waiting for the next episode, but I don’t regret it at all. First you have a family with 8 children, that alone is auspicious of some great comedy developments. I really loved how each of them had their unique traces and space in the story. The other family members that were added also contributed to some of the most hilarious moments. The grandfather and specially the uncle (I love Hoshino Gen’s voice, really.) It also pinned some social problems that I don't want to spoil you, but I think the main focus was on how you can always take the best out of your life no matter how much money you have.
The main actors did a really great job and even Sam, which I had never seen before, did a really great job making me like him despite how terrifying he seemed at first. As for Kamiki, I was a bit reticent as if he would be able to portray a comic character as I had only seen him in SPEC and Bloody Monday, but he did an awesome job, with all the personality crises and social troubles his character had to face.
Of course I would watch this again. Actually, there were already some scenes that I kept rewatching over and over again. You can’t help that.
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Just a nice end for Tonfah & Typhoon...
Mr. hospital owner Tonfah & mr. photographer Typhoon have a nice time at home & work when Typhoons aunt (his dads ex) needs a medical procedure to determine if she has cancer or not. So both of them are babysitting aunts daugther and of course it's a bliss because while already older she behaves impeccable.So everything is mostly fluffy between them, they didn't do any nc-scenes, so not fanservice at all, which I appreciate. We also see an other side of Tonfah and due to the time-jump we also see a much mature Typhoon. Production quality was of course top notch and this is a nice end for their story arc. Of course it's not as deep as I wished it to be but on the other hand I can't complain too much.
When you have seen their series, there is no reason to skip this. All ends well.
Note: Why does this page exist twice? https://kisskh.at/803506-fourever-you-part-2-special-ep-beside-the-sky
Does nobody check it? I don't get it, besides mixing the titles... Ah they mean a BTS aka episode 0 is a "special"... it's too confusing...
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This series is really good, it all blends in with where the last episode or special left off so you don't really feel like your missing anything; however, if you miss a special or an episode (or whole series) it's like coming in blindfolded! The casting of this series was different than the first, minus a few people here and there, so it was a little hard to get used to; but I liked how it focused on everyone individually and sincerely without focusing solely on one person as a main character, but it seemed to focus on the whole of the prosecution office. You'll know what I mean if you watch this series!
The script is well written, I do have to admit (again...) that I did like the absence of a romance in this sequel; I liked Kimura Takuya's (Kuryu Kohei) romance with Matsu Takako (Amamiya Maiko) in the original, don't get me wrong, but I like that this drama seemed to focus more so on the law/crime/justice genre than pure romance. It's hard to find good dramas that don't have overly cheesy, over-bearing, love triangles, or what have you. Also, don't get me wrong (again.. heehee..!) I do like romance dramas or movies, but that's not why I chose to watch this series. I chose to watch this series (from the original in 2001 up until the new movie in 2015) because of the cast, the stories, the script, the directing, the talent, the unique qualities of each actor/actress, and so on...
Anyways, some law terms are hard to follow and some episodes do move fast, but that's why God invited pause and rewind and fast forward, right? I'm not saying to do that ALL the time you don't understand, but I am saying this is a very interesting drama to lose time and yourself in, should you give it the chance. I watched this on pure faith that I wouldn't be bored since I loved Kimura Takuya in "Mr. Brain", and I was glad to find that I was right! Please, don't let the negatives out-weigh the positives for this series... definitely give it a try!
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Lightyears of Poetry
I believe everyone at one point or another in their lives has wished for the chance to go back and change the past, do things differently, fix past mistakes, etc., I know I certainly have. What Be My Favorite does so well is show that making those changes isn't as simple as we might like to think. It requires personal growth, pushing outside our comfort zone, thinking about more than just oneself and sticking around to maintain those changes, plus a touch of magic, of course. This drama was so beautifully done, so well thought out and executed, it has certainly become one of my favorites.The story, dealing with time travel, could have been great or a total flop. The way it was handled made it great. Rather than getting into the mechanics of time travel and trying to make it too sci-fi, it explained just enough for things to make sense and didn't go any deeper. The story as a whole though did feel deep. This isn't just a fluff drama, it actually has substance and quite a lot at that. It touches on various issues, but rather than being preachy like some dramas get, those elements were added in an organic way that flowed and worked within the story. Those issues included LGBTQ+ rights both as a whole and more specifically the lack of those rights when it comes to medical care, alcoholism regarding both the pros and cons of drinking alcohol and why some may choose not to drink and that is totally okay, and grief in understanding that there are some things that simply cannot be changed and learning to grieve for that loss, but also accept it. Despite the sci-fi elements, there was a very realistic feel to everything. Aspects such as the gap between the rich and poor were shown, how someone does in school does not define them or their abilities, that we won't succeed at everything and failure is a part of life but doesn't need to define it, and our actions truly do have consequences both good and bad.
The pacing is very nearly perfect. There are one or two spots that are a touch slow, but not obnoxiously so. One aspect that I really liked was the way the passage of time was handled. Comments, brief shots of calendars and the like helped make it clear that time was passing. But the crowning touch was the montage in Episode 10 which was absolutely perfect and so much better than a sudden time jump. Not only did it provide a myriad of cute moments between Kawi and Pisaeng, but it also showed how their relationship had progressed over time. Other dramas should take note, this is the way you do it.
I don't think there was a single character that I didn't like in some capacity. No one felt superfluous, they all served some kind of purpose. What helped was keeping the cast pretty tight. Yes, there were scenes with more characters, but they kept the core group small. Not having a second couple helped a lot and allowed the full focus to be on Kawi and Pisaeng which was good since the build up of their relationship was a bit of a slow burn. That focus enabled them to better show their changing feelings, particularly with Kawi. The best part of their relationship though was the communication between them. I cannot even describe how refreshing it was to see such a healthy relationship portrayed where both parties truly respected each other and actively sought to communicate with each other. Even better was that it was shown throughout and was a core aspect of their relationship. And the importance of communication was echoed in other relationships, between Pisaeng and his mother, Pear and her parents, and even with Kwan and Knot.
Kawi was a great character. His growth was so well done as he learned to step outside himself and take his life in his own hands to influence it rather than just letting things happen to him. He made conscious decisions to fix things and make changes to himself. It was his willingness to acknowledge his faults and then correct them that enabled him to change his future. Pisaeng was another great character. Similarly to Kawi, he had his faults, but he too was willing to address and correct them as he actively listened to the criticisms he was given. His obvious respect for Kawi as a person and as a lover was clear and refreshing. Also refreshing were the characters of Max and Pear. Max was not just the token gay friend, he was a fully realized character who served as a sounding board for both Kawi and Pisaeng. And his advice and comments were usually pretty on the nose. He supported them both unconditionally while adding a good dose of humor at times. Similarly, Pear was not the token female friend. Again, she was a fully realized character and, as a woman, I cannot describe how much I loved that. She wasn't the jealous ex-girlfriend or wannabe girlfriend and her only purpose wasn't to be a supportive friend, though she was that. She had her own hopes and dreams as well as struggles that she had to deal with. Communication was again a key element with her in regards to her relationships with both Kawi and Pisaeng. Pisaeng's lack of communication regarding his feelings towards her was actually a source of pain for her, despite the fact that was exactly why he hadn't said anything, so he wouldn't cause her pain. It showed that sometimes silence is not golden and being open is actually the better option.
I've seen most of the cast in at least one other drama if not more, so I had high expectations for them and they did not disappoint in the slightest. Having only seen Krist in SOTUS, I was excited to see him play a character so polar opposite from that of Arthit. He was phenomenal, completely embodying the character of Kawi with all his quirks and awkwardness. And his chemistry with Gawin was fantastic. They played off of each other beautifully and had such a great connection. I will say it's a subtler chemistry than seen in other BLs, but I really liked it and felt it worked within the context of the story. I've seen Gawin in a few dramas and was thrilled that he finally got a leading role. He acts a lot through his eyes and he does so effectively, this time was no different. Despite having less experience than other cast members, he absolutely held his own. Aye is a seasoned and talented actress that I've seen in several dramas. She did a great job at giving Pear depth and really making her emotions and turmoil understood and felt. Similar to Gawin, Aou is less experienced, but I've found him to be quite a versatile actor. He gave a grounded feel to the character of Max as well as a certain level of assuredness that gave his character more substance.
The production was very well done. The cinematography was beautiful and the music was fantastic. Both Krist and Gawin are very talented singers and they certainly did the soundtrack justice.
Despite the numerous lessons and themes woven into the plot of Be My Favorite, I think one of the biggest takeaways is simply to live in the present. Too often we look to the future, imagining how things might be and we miss what's right in front of us. Kawi's life improves when he stops looking to the future and instead lives in the present. I think it's a good reminder for all of us. I cannot recommend this drama enough, it is truly one of the best I've seen, one that I foresee I'll be coming back to multiple times.
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This movie launched the career for juri ueno and and shihori kanjiya
You will laugh out loud when the girls take charge of the bento lunches, trust me this is a super funny movie and wicked music too.
This movie got me hooked on japanese actresses so much i am learning the language and Shodo too.
You will be hooked the moment you view it beleive me.
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1This review may contain spoilers
A Love That Heals: A Drama That Teaches Us to Choose Ourselves
To the Moon and Back is one of those rare gems in the world of drama — a series that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving a lasting imprint on your heart. It’s the kind of show that mixes laughter, tears, and introspection in the most seamless and natural way, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that’s both rewarding and deeply moving. From the very first episode to the final scene, this drama manages to captivate, heal, and inspire in a way that’s so authentic, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.The Story: A Beautiful Journey of Love, Family, and Self-Discovery
The plot centers around Penneung, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, who, despite his success, is emotionally repressed and suffocated by his father’s controlling influence. He’s lived a life dictated by expectations and the desire to please others. In contrast, Mata, an illustrator raised by a vibrant and loving family of drag queens, is the embodiment of freedom, kindness, and acceptance. Their meeting — which starts off in a hilarious misunderstanding with a Halloween cake — sparks a connection that is as unexpected as it is profound. What follows is a beautifully developed relationship between these two opposites, as they help each other heal, grow, and become the best versions of themselves.
The journey they embark on isn’t just a romance; it’s an exploration of self-love, healing from past wounds, and learning to accept both yourself and those around you. Every moment in the show is purposeful — every gesture, every word, and every silence speaks volumes about the emotional depth the characters are experiencing. The show does not shy away from the darker aspects of life — the trauma, the family struggles, and the painful journeys — but it handles these themes with sensitivity, humor, and grace, making the process of healing both uplifting and touching.
Characters: Deep, Multifaceted, and Real
The cast of To the Moon and Back is nothing short of spectacular, with each character bringing their own unique charm and complexity to the story.
Mata (played by Toey) is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable female leads in recent drama history. She is not loud, overdramatic, or flawed in the typical ways we often see in rom-coms. Instead, Mata is a beacon of light — cheerful, caring, and incredibly kind. What sets her apart is her ability to love without judgment, to accept people for who they are, and to create a space where others can grow. Toey’s performance is nothing short of brilliant — it’s clear that Mata was made for her, and she brings the character to life with such authenticity that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing her. Mata’s warmth and generosity are palpable, and watching her support Penneung as he learns to embrace his true self is incredibly inspiring.
Penneung (played by James Ji) brings a quiet strength to his role, which is perfectly complemented by Mata’s radiant energy. His character is someone who has been emotionally stunted by his upbringing, and watching him open up and transform over the course of the series is a beautiful journey. James Ji’s portrayal is effortlessly natural — there are moments when you forget you’re watching a character, and it feels like you’re simply seeing him in his truest form. He brings a soft yet deeply emotional vulnerability to Penneung, and that makes his character arc one of the most touching in the drama. The chemistry between Mata and Penneung is undeniable — it’s the kind of relationship that feels organic, built on mutual respect, understanding, and growth.
Supporting characters, like Father Grace and Aunt Vee, elevate the story in such meaningful ways. Father Grace, with his unconditional love for Mata, is the pillar of strength and wisdom in the story. His teachings about love, kindness, and honesty have shaped Mata into the person she is, and his presence in the series brings so much warmth and depth. Aunt Vee, too, plays an important role in shaping Mata’s worldview, and their family dynamic is truly something special. The Cage gang, with their lively and fun personalities, adds another layer of love and support to the narrative, proving that family isn’t just about blood — it’s about love, care, and acceptance.
Themes & Messages: Healing, Growth, and Love Without Judgment
The beauty of To the Moon and Back lies in its ability to tackle heavy themes with grace and sensitivity. It addresses issues like mental health, self-acceptance, family dynamics, and love without judgment in such a way that it feels like a warm hug for the soul. The drama showcases the importance of being true to oneself and supporting others in their own journey of self-discovery. The characters are not just navigating love but also the pain and scars from their past. As they heal and grow, so does their love — it becomes stronger, more honest, and more supportive. This drama teaches us that true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing each other’s flaws and strengths and growing together.
The show also highlights the power of found families. Mata’s relationship with her unconventional family is a prime example of this. Despite being rejected by society, they continue to support and uplift each other, proving that love and support can come from unexpected places. Similarly, Penneung’s journey with Mata and her family shows how love can help heal even the deepest wounds, and how being surrounded by the right people can help you find the courage to embrace who you truly are.
One of the most powerful lines in the drama — “I love Mata because she gave me strength to choose me” — encapsulates the core message of the show. It’s a reminder that love should empower you to choose yourself, to be the best version of who you are, and to never settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Cinematography & OST: Beauty in Every Frame
The cinematography in To the Moon and Back is stunning, with each frame carefully crafted to highlight the emotional depth of the story. The warm tones, the soft lighting, and the beautiful locations all contribute to the calming and soothing atmosphere of the series. The visuals perfectly complement the gentle pace of the drama, enhancing the emotional experience.
The OST is another standout feature. The music flows seamlessly with the story, elevating the emotional moments without overwhelming them. Yindi, in particular, is a song that perfectly captures the essence of the drama — soft, melodic, and full of heart. The music never feels out of place, but rather enhances the intimacy of the relationships and the emotional arcs of the characters. It’s one of those soundtracks that stays with you long after you’ve finished watching, making it even harder to let go of the world of To the Moon and Back.
Final Thoughts: A Drama That Heals and Inspires
In conclusion, To the Moon and Back is more than just a drama; it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of love, growth, and self-acceptance. It teaches us that love isn’t just about being in a relationship; it’s about growing as individuals, supporting each other through the highs and lows, and embracing who we are, flaws and all. The acting, the writing, the themes, and the cinematography all come together to create a work of art that resonates deeply with viewers. It’s not just about romance — it’s about healing, finding peace within yourself, and being surrounded by people who love and accept you for who you truly are.
This drama has made me laugh, cry, and reflect on what it means to love and be loved. It’s one of those shows that stays with you, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished watching. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to start from episode 1 right now. You won’t regret it. It’s a journey worth taking, one that will fill you with warmth, joy, and a renewed sense of love and acceptance.
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Gone Girl.
This is an incredibly dark suspense thriller about a family with secrets. At surface they seem like an everyday family; one whose struggles make them more devoted. Their son Wenzhou is simple and does not know his own strength when excited. His new nanny Xiao Xiu runs off for greener pastures. Convinced something bad happened to her, Chen Youxi escapes from the orphanage to seek her out. She discovers that twelve years ago, there was another gone girl from the Li household; their daughter Wenwen. She infiltrates the Li household as a miraculously returned Wenwen and pulls at threads that conceal old secrets.This drama starts strongly and moves at a transfixing pace throughout. The drama's strongest feature is that it keeps you guessing until the penultimate episode even though there are only three knowable suspects. While the story is gripping, the plot could be tighter from the mid-way point where small holes emerge. It suffers most in the whydidit behind Xiao Xiu's disappearance. The motive is not firmly established enough to be convincing. I rewatched the reveal a few times and suspect that something was cut out. I also did not like how Youxi tries to stage a confession trap again after the first one went so terribly and consequentially wrong. It is just lazy plot design although not inconsistent with the character's desperation to get answers. There are other small holes that add up to render this short of the masterpiece it had the potential to be.
What is exceptional is the characterisations and the mind-blowing acting. The entire cast delivers in spades. Mei Ting deserves an award for her ruthless, manipulative and multi-faceted Liao Suifang. The subtext behind her cat and mouse interactions with Youxi where they both knew they were on to each other is breathtaking and worth re-watching. Her conflicted feelings for Li Chengtian and Wang Chongjiang and how Wenzhou's ultimate welfare plays into it resonates. Her Suifang made me feel suspicious, angry, repulsed and curiously sympathetic. Similarly Wang Yanhui's Li Chengtian is also masterful - at face an affable, quiet, beaten man; a love consolation prize and a desperately seeking father... with an aura of hidden menace. The ties that bind this painful triangle together are so messy and yet almost inevitable. They keep secrets; deep dark secrets from one another and themselves. Between the three older characters, we see how relationships fracture over time and even the most normal people have dark sides but with different bottom lines.
Against incredibly layered veteran actors, the young cast can hold their own. I am not a fan of Dai Xu's brand of comedy but I really enjoy him in a serious role as Cheng Xu. After The Heart of Genius I had strong reservations over Zhang Zifeng but she convinces as this lost orphan hell bent on finding her only anchor in this world. But it is Du Yusen's Wenzhou - at times harmless and affectionate, full of simple childlike truths and at times scary as hell that steals the show. Guo Cheng also emerges here as a young actor to watch - his Cheng Wei is very charismatic and the way he lapses seamlessly into Guangzhou dialect adds dimension to his characterisation. The dynamics and chemistry between Youxi, Cheng Wei and Wenzhou is as light as the ones between the three older characters is dark. All the lost children in this story end up found in some way to end this sinister tale on a less dark note.
I have not enjoyed a Chinese suspense thriller this much since The Bad Kids. It is overall not quite at the same level but I can easily rate this a 8.5/10 with the acting worth that rare 10/10.
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This movie is awesome and I love this much! This silent movie is so nerve wrecking (in good way) and geesh, it leaves a great impact to me! I thank MDL's Winnie19 for featuring this to her profile BG and recommending this, just wow!
All the setting, the body language, the story and those unnerving stealthily actions/scene of the male lead, it's so beyond!
I love it and highly reco guys!
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I Will Fly to the Sky on a Wheelchair!
11 people found this review helpful
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This series is very hard to watch at times, better be prepared, and like 13 Reasons Why, I know some people would think it is only to shock minds, to horrify, only for the show, but for me it's not, because life is way worse than the worst drama and we are always trying to forget that but we shouldn't. Everyday, people are hurting each over in social medias, in comments, in videos, only for some likes and sometimes, this is too much for someone and one life is brutally ended.
That's why series/movies/books, anything, really, like this one really matter to me. This one is particularly well executed. No black, and white, everything is in grey, it shows people like they truly are, neither good or bad, something in between. Rape is one of the major subjects here, once again perfectly addressed, slutshaming and homophoby too, but for me, it's not the most important here. It is all said in the title, really, the Judgement.
We all are using internet everyday, so I recommend everyone to watch this. Every stupid comment can kill someone, is it really worth it ?
That is for the story. The cast is perfect to me, all good actors and actresses, the music is good too. I love the thai touch, they really have a way to stay true to something, way more than Hollywood, and Korea that tends to sugarcoat. Anyway, for me, it's definitely one of the best shows I have watched.
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This review may contain spoilers
Don't watch without watching drama
I just finished watching the movie and I want to point out that it's important to watch the drama first, otherwise the movie won't make much sense. What I enjoyed the least about the movie is that they left out the most important and interesting parts of the drama, which made the movie more boring and confusing. It's okay if they want to focus on the love story, but they shouldn't just include boring scenes, especially for those who have seen the drama. For instance, in the drama, there was a significant shared moment between the characters when the male lead carried the female lead after she was drunk and they walked to their base talking. Also, there was a skipped part before the movie where they had a shared little date, which would have been interesting to see. Additionally, there was a part where he asked if they could give it a try, but they skipped the part when she responded to him and they started dating. There were many other interesting parts that were skipped, such as after they started dating when they went on a date to the movies and he got a little angry. The movie only showed a little bit of what happened. Lastly, the movie also missed the part when one of the characters found out they were dating in the rain when they kissed. Instead, it jumped to a scene where they were in their rooms talking on the phone.Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe you would find disgusting, how can a guy fall in love with his older brother. Don't forget the boy is only 13 years old, who discoveres his first sexual attraction, even sexual orientation. I think, we can also call this attraction as a kind of adoration, or wonder, he looks up on his brother, that he does his best in sports. I think, it's worth to watch it, and to see how does a young guy discovers his sexuality. I found the ending pretty interesting.
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