Reviews

This is how medical dramas should be done!

All of the medical cases were weaved into the story seamlessly. Excellently executed. Great characters. Master Kim embodied the righteous teacher you would want to learn from, who had made mistakes and had learned from them. He was such a mentor to the younger doctors in the hospitals. He inspired them. He also stood up for them, in many satisfying scenes.

I've seen a number of Korean medical dramas, and most of the time the surgery or medical cases only served as plot devices to move the story further along. More often than not, it was difficult to be invested in the cases. However, with this drama, each medical case really brought along a lot of emotions and drama, as you learn not just from the doctors, but also from the patients.

This drama especially reminds me of early days Grey's Anatomy. Lots of heart. Lots of tension. Satisfying to watch when injustice is overturned, which the doctors face on an almost daily basis.

The romance, while light in this drama, is well done for its realism.

Watch this if you are in the mood for a medical drama and you will be drawn in by the doctors at Doldam Hospital, who put saving the lives of their patients above all else, as true modern day superheroes. Be prepared to drop some tears!

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I actually had a hard time watching this -____- There were times when I just wanted to give up on this drama. I couldn't stand some of the actors/actresses acting. Especially the person who was playing Mike He's older brother. I think he played his part sorta well (clueless, weak & can't stand up for himself), it's just when he's acting w/ other people, for ex. w/ his gf, then he looks stiff & awkward. I usually fast forward his scenes w/ his gf since they were pretty much predictable.





Other than that, I kept on watching since I'm a Mike He & Cyndi Wang fan. I love these two & they're so adorable together ^-^ But I don't think Mike He should sing XD As for the story, I enjoyed it. These are one of those stories that they pulled in the amnesia thing, which I don't really like since I've seen so many of these. But still enjoyable.

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Teacher Mechanic Accountant Pilot

You know they began to run out of ideas when they start to merge professions. It makes me wonder what might come next, but the entire law genre had plateaued, and coming up with new unexplored ideas got only more difficult. The entire hearts swapping operation at the beginning of the drama was flawed and didn't make any sense. Instead of giving us a cohesive storyline, we were left with this mishmash of abandoned subplots and forced plot turns that were hard to sell. You may expect a lot of highly implausible scenarios and you gonna nod your head and just accept it. Neither of the main leads brought any appealing character or performance making it difficult to empathize with their struggles or connect with their motivations.

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Story:

I quite like the story of the drama. It basically based upon family life, sacrifices and circumstances. Throughout the entire series, it focuses on highlighting the different sacrifices that the child who became the head of the family after the incident and what he has done to avert convict for his brother. Decisions, decisions and decisions is another topic in which this covers. The reason for this is because for every decision, there will always be an effect. You will never know if it’s a positive or negative effect. You MUST watch this drama from the very beginning in order to understand what is going on. Every details is supported about their pass which provide the information and scenes that the viewer would want. Also, assumptions is not a good idea for this drama. To be honest with you, I assume that they can overcome it very easy with no complication. Unfortunately, I misjudge the entire part. I basically never read the plot of any dramas that I watch. This is because for me the plot is basically the spoiler of the series, I really hate spoilers especially for length of dramas.
In contrast, the romance side of this drama is very exceptional. Like family complication, they also shows the difficulties and complications of love stories. I am actually moved on the romance storyline of this drama. The reason for this is because it is not the typical “we are now together, no problems and lets live a happy live” which is mostly use as the ending of most dramas. However, there is a silver lining for each romantic couples of drama in which the viewer needs to understand and watch. In order for them to understand, they must start from the very start from how they meet, where the spark happen, their difficulties and how they have overcome it. I would say that for the romantic genre of it, there is no disappointment. This is because if you look at the romance parts, it is very stimulating to watch, yet entertaining.
I would say that the only drawback for this drama is that it is very long. However, it is quite worth it I would say. If you want family, romance and melodrama series, this is a very good to watch. You will clearly see these genre throughout it. On the other side, the storyline is good to the point that all entangled family life will be in good condition.

Casts/ Acting:

The casts and their acting performance were outstanding. Even though I clearly did not do a casting check with the drama, they were actually performed very well. If you watched it, you will see that they are all very experience actor/actress. Their way on expressing their emotions on the series is excellent in which it makes you feel the scene. I know it sounds corny, but it is actually true. After you understand what is going on, you will understand why I would say this to be honest. The casts chosen are excellent, it is clearly that we would want to look forward to their other individual drama (especially the rookies). I do not know why, I actually like the antagonist of the drama. This is because you will actually hate him a lot and how jealousy end up with anger, hatred, conviction and envy. I actually would not make any more comments with the casts. The reason behind this is because once you see the drama you will complete disregard their history and focus on the story and how they portray their character.

Conclusion:

I would say that after watching it all, I will re-watch it, but only the parts that are memorable. This involves love scenes and developments, the family story and even their complication. I specifically ignore the business side of the drama. This is because it is a bit dull and tiresome to watch. I would not recommend it to watch again from the very beginning because it will take you time. Therefore, I specifically want the plotline and how the story develop as well as the casts chosen.

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If (like me) you are Takeru Satoh trash and think this is a romantic, dark-fluffy, inception-like film of a heroic character who travels into the mind of his beloved to rescue her out of a coma... then I suggest you don't watch this movie. ^-^

If, however, like me, you are Takeru Satoh trash, and have an appreciation for films with a deeper meaning, enjoying unexpected (and extremely sudden) plot twists and a dark and slightly creepy psychological theme... then I suggest you give this movie a shot. ^v^)/

One of REAL's biggest highlights for me was that you really didn't know what to expect next. You just have no idea. One minute, I was focused in the neurological world, and the next I was hiding behind my pillow. And that is how you go through the film - not knowing what to expect next, yet anticipating the conclusion. I give the rewatch value a strong 9*, as it all makes so much more sense if you were to rewatch it, and you can appreciate the thought put into its creation, the jumpy camera angles and script.

The cast and acting were great, although again, initially you might find it a little strange in the beginning. It all makes sense nearer the end. ^^

One thing that did confuse me was the strange blend of both decent CGI, and college-green-screen-quality CGI. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not because of the story line...

Also, plesiosaurs. I love them.
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*[EDIT: Rewatching is so worth it!]

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At first I read the synopsis and I’m not even made it my plan to watch.
Why did I watch it? Because after I watched Legal High, I began to like Masato Sakai, so I try it. And after one episode, I just love it.
Why do I love it? Because when I watched it I can’t skip it (I usually skip the part I don’t like), and I can’t skip it cause it’s too good to be skip. (The script writer must be a genius)
The story is kind a serious one, it’s about Hanzawa Naoki, an employee of a bank. He is a good brilliant employee but when someone wants to shift blame to him. He simply cannot forgive everybody that involve in it. And the brilliant story begins.
The cast is just amazing!!! And Masato Sakai is maybe born to be an actor, he just awesome.
And what’s the best is the story. You’ll really love Hanzawa Naoki although he’s a serious character, and his wife is funny, so the characters are well written.
If you want a well made Japanese drama, bored with romantic comedy and want something worth your time THAN you must watch Hanzawa Naoki.
And you’ll not be disappointed.

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Not just one, but two!!!

Falling for two insane people is so wild. Daon does deserve a Ju Sunghyun lol but seriously tho, I was kind of shocked how far they took it with those two. And there I was at the beginning thinking, it's gonna be one of those where you struggle who's to ship, you end up rooting for a poly 😂. This was wild. Those two are wild. I wish the writing was better for sure. I do relate with Daon in some ways aka falling for people who are kind to me lol but I really wanted more from his character in the end there. I want him to be mad. HE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE MAD. I wanted a big monologue or big confrontation where he calls out how physically abusive and violent those two have been to him. And I never got it. I wasn't satisfied with that.

The romance was alright. I think Daon and Sunghyun are cute but I wish they developed their story better. Just a little more scenes here and there to make me believe they have this really strong connection. I mean, with all the wild things happening outside of their storyline, I feel like the romance should have matched that energy. It also kind of got irritating at the end there when they had a bit of miscommunication. I'm used to the miscommunication trope but if it was like that where one person just simply didn't let the other talk, I'm like????? Nevertheless, I bought the chemistry between the two actors, it's fine.

The acting was just okay from everybody. No one really stood out to me. A little awkward and very deer in the headlights vibes at times but not the worst I've seen.

Yeah, this was very different from the other korean BLs I've seen but that's just it, the shock factor. Just a little different as there's not just one but two questionable crazy characters. Didn't really blow me away but it did make me curious every episode where they'd take it so it was engaging in that sense.

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Cupid strikes but the arrow misses.

Is this the season for experimental BLs? Given the releases we've had in 2021 and 22 (until now), the answer is a yes. Whether it was the groundbreaking portrayal of frenemies to lovers in Bad Buddy or exploring vampirism in Kissable Lips or the soft anti-heroes of Not Me, it's delightful to see BLs leave the greener pastures of college romance to venture into the wonderland lurking just beyond. Cupid's Last Wish is another such attempt in how it's a road-trip BL and for the most part, it delivers without being too didactic.

Once unraveled, the plot of CLW is quite routine. But being set against a rustic backdrop with an interesting set of main characters, suitable music (barring the segment that induces delirious dancing), the little moments of epilogue at the end of each episode, the relevant flashbacks, and the charm EarthMix carry forward from ATOTS, elevate CLW onto another level. Jan's Lin playing Win is another advantage. It's not often we see a clingy and huggy female character who does not whine and act spoiled at the same time. She's just someone who likes to be physical. As Win, she also kicks some butt and goes into Super Dino Mode- Aggressive but one wishes she did that as herself as well. Body swap in dramas almost inevitably includes periods and is usually nauseatingly cringey but CLW treats the subject with due care. It is intelligently incorporated as a plot device with some timely situational humour that gives us an insight into the characters as well. Seeing Mix in that role is both hilarious and endearing. I almost wanted to give him a painkiller.

Then we very obviously have to talk about the swap that happens and the apparent misrepresentation in the show. To me at least, it didn't exist. Korn recognises Win from the moment he wakes up and he keeps addressing him as such and though we see Mix as Win on screen, Korn is actually looking at Lin as Win. The Win he loves may have changed bodies but his love for Win remains the same. Right from the beginning, the whole point of collecting the holy water was only to be a means to an end. The monks' questions and advice are nothing profound or new; they are just the exact set of words that we (and Win) needed to hear to change. These important interactions are disappointingly short but they are to the point and do not take away the real personal growth that the show intended to portray through the journey of 7 days.

When almost nothing was going wrong for the series, the finale arrived with a bang. From what I took as a cue in the first episode regarding how the monk is informed of the car accident, I expected the reason behind the writing of will to be the last wish of the real cupid of the show. Maybe we'd discover a hidden letter from Win's father explaining his actions? As it turns out, the ultimate plot twist is so nonsensical that it is shocking. Absolute zero rationale. Win's aunt and uncle have no real purpose and they might have as well not been a part of the drama for all that they were present and made themselves useful. Non is bright, but there's not much for him to do. While these may exactly not hinder the drama, they do stand out as eye sores.

Who Cupid is and what his last wish is are two questions that remain unanswered but truthfully, Cupid's Last Wish is really about EarthMix fluff. Need any more reasons to watch it?

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REVENGE, ANGER, MORAL CHALLENGES , and KICK ASS FIGHTING

What a jewel of a find!!! I love Shaolin storylines - dramas and movies and when I saw the title GREATEST SHAOLIN on YT while scanning through clickbait shorts I had to explore. This drama must be a recent English translation release because I could not find it anywhere - except YT. The actual name of the drama is Shaolin Wendao.

The story -- 4 loyal childhood friends (3 boys and 1 girl) are now adults and have explosive and devasting experiences that lead to life-transforming conflicts and emotional rollercoasters. The actors' Zhou Yi Wei (Trials and Empires: Storm of Prophecy and the Rebel Princess) and Guo Jin Fei maintained one of the most toxic "brotherhood" I have ever viewed in a drama. The lust for revenge versus what is good and right becomes major themes mixed with Buddism and Filial piety. I have no desire to reveal spoilers because this is a drama worthy of all 38 episodes.

There are numerous individual fight scenes that are unforgettable and bloody, there are battles with groups and there is a war with Japanese pirates. The childhood female friend is forced into prostitution although a princess prior to her being labeled treason - solely by being a family member. Her character is a catalyst for moving this drama from one degree of average entertainment to challenging the viewer as to her culpability and sanity. ACTION ACTION ACTION!!!

Life in a Shaolin Temple, commitment, vows, and hierarchy was shared which was a bonus. Visually stunning watching the training and inner conflicts which can develop and their resolutions.

Every actor brought their A-game to the drama and the casting director picked quality actors for all of the roles. No letdowns or weak performances.

The music was the perfect accompaniment to the pace of the drama and did not overwhelm or underwhelm the scenes which I always note when music seems to be overdone and annoying. None of this happened throughout.

A must watch -- the quality of this drama in 2017 when it was apparently first released without English translations would have put this one of many top 10 or top 20 at the minimum.

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Is ethics for nerds only?

So many are sleeping on this drama and it is pity. No wonder, there is not enough content in TV, the net, cinema, SOCIETY talking about ethical things... well it needs thinking and for the majority of modern people it is "painful". Anyway, when I found out there would be a jdrama about ethics in schools I needed to watch it.

I must to say I enjoyed this drama and plan to read also manga in the future. Why? Because as a person with a philosophy, pedagogy, and ethics degree I know a thing or two about this beautiful and for most people "useless" science" called ethics. I was really curious how they would manage to put ethics into a Japanese high school setting.

Actually, so many things were poorly explained but only real scholars would get it. The majority of the audience won't get it anyway but might find it interesting. Ethics in Japan is of course is practiced, seen, and done differently than in Europe. All in all, drama touched a rather wide range of representatives and their works which were included in modern students' life and troubles they had to face. * SPOILER * One thing which ruined a feeling of the whole drama for me was the unnecessary "student-teacher confession". Like can they stop promoting this kind of fetish? It was totally out of context and it left a bland taste of the whole drama. *END OF SPOILER * So, not great, not terrible, this show had more potential if it was longer and scriptwriters had done their ethical research done more thoughtfully.

Ok now let me continue with acting - great choice of young actors/actresses, so nice to see fresh talented faces. The kids really did a great job. And Yuki was brilliant as mysterious ethics sensei. My only dissatisfaction was the length of each ep. Just 20 min was not enough to fully explain and deeply involve the attentive viewers in the stories of the students. So many things were unsaid but ok I understand the manga is still ongoing.

Alsooo, want to say a few words about Takayanagi sensei. He is not the happy-go-lucky overly hyped annoying nosy teacher. On the contrary him being deep, enigmatic, introvert, observer, philosoph with a cynical view of the world and people. Even though he is broken he empathically helps people when needed and gives his students much more than just empty useless words. Actually, he inspired me too. Definitely, he showed introverts can make more capable teachers and mentors than his extroverted colleagues. I indeed learned a lot from his role which I want to keep to myself only.

I recommend this drama mainly to philosophy geeks or people who want to get a bit view of how (not so real) ethical classes are. It is not a drama that attracts many people, some might find it boring but some might found new inspiring ideas and get interested in ethics.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas even if I like them. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

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Fresh and a unique plot!

I was lucky enough to be able to catch the movie premiere of this show in my country, I've just gotten home, opened up my computer and here I am.
[Alert: The movie has quite a few sexual references [7/10 spicy] so do take note!]
Summary:
FUNNY, CUTE, LOVELY, AND A TEAR JERKER. WORTH THE WATCH! AND IM GONNA WATCH IT AGAIN KEKE

PS: These scene description are not considered as spoilers. Its just briefly how the movie starts and how it will start developing

This is the MOST unique and newest storyline I have ever watched! There are ML, FL [Pinky] and FL [XiaoMi/XM]. Before death, ML and XM were the best of friends for years and yay they got into a relationship, and engaged just for a short while before his death. When he was down in the underworld, and after some "You're Dead" process, he decided to be tested to be the God of Love, Yue Lao [an actual god in history and also the chinese name of the movie] and ding ding ding, he passed! And shockers! His partner is Pinky! I wont talk about their past or the major spoilers but wow if I wasnt watching the movie with my mum, I WOULD BE BAWLING!! The romance line was SUPER WELL WRITTEN!! Visual Effects were done SO WELL that they won an award at the Golden Horse Film Awards alongside with other segments. I can't describe much about the movie because theres content and new information every minute and of course it wasn't draggy at all, it grabbed your attention every second and every minute. Other than the romance line, there's a evil plot as well but again, it isnt like what we expect, not your typical stupid revenge plot. Really worth the watch!! Even the after credits scenes were like "OH WHAT?" I am definitely going back to the cinema for this movie soon after its public screening! 10/10 superb!

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I can honestly say that this is the best drama I've ever seen. I usually watch a lot of rom-com's, but I happened to stumble upon this one one day and I'm so happy I did. It left such an impression on me that I was left with wanting so much more, but if you've watched it, or when you finally watch it and finish it, you'll know a second season would be impossible. I applaud Ohno Satoshi and Ikuta Toma's acting. In fact, I would bow to them both if I ever saw them. I never realized how amazing they were at acting until I watched this... Mostly because I hadn't seen any of Ohno's dramas before, and the only one's I'd seen of Toma's were Hana Kimi and Hanamizuki. But I will definitely be watching more of their dramas now that I know their skills.

This drama was very suspenseful, and I found it very hard to put off because I was always left wondering what would happen next after every episode. And lets just say, I was practically bawling when it finally ended. I would rewatch this a million times if I could! Although dramas are always best the first time cause if you rewatch it you'll already know what happens at the end and it's not as suspenseful... but if I wanted to, I would rewatch this again. So, that being said, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this drama. I guarantee you won't not like it, and it could possibly become one of your favorites!

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Beautiful storyline

This was a series that tugged at my heart because as a mother i would have been devastated by my childs sudden death...
Yoon Oh and Peach were friends that became more than friends after his death and they made the best of their short time together beautifully in synch.
It just reminds the rest of us here on earth to try and appreciate what you have before you lose it to whatever circumstances life throws at you.
Those of you that try and analyze the the storyline too much....stop wasting your negative time by dissing this series and try living in the positives...
Well done to the production crew for a beautiful story and hoping for SEASON 2 PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏💙

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Disappointing drama

Disappointing drama.
Everything is present to make a beautiful love story. We are quickly attached to the story and the characters. But we can guess a little too easily what will happen next, despite a few twists that reinforce the plot. The sentimental hesitations are not convincing. One gets the impression that the writers have done little research on the love triangle when two brothers are in love with the same woman. In this story, the choice for Ye Ji seems obvious after a few episodes, but the writers have reduced the poor heroine to a pretty doll who spends her time hesitating, crying and running from the obvious.
The weight of Korean taboos and social codes weigh on the lives of the characters and the life choices they might make. Everyone seems to carry too much guilt to be believable. The screenwriters lacked a little freshness and audacity to make this unnecessarily maudlin story more original and modern.

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