Completed
Ototo no Otto
11 people found this review helpful
by Luly
May 23, 2020
3 of 3 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
I had been waiting to watch this one for a while and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Before starting let me just put out there that I haven't read the manga yet, so this review is solely based on the drama. However, I'll point out that the drama does a good job of making people want to read the source material, if they haven't.

This story starts in an aftermath, where many stories would end. You have a divorced father, who recently lost his twin brother, a little girl navigating her parents' separation and a widower brother-in-law who comes into their lives for the first time, after his husband's passing. Still, even though the events that lead to this setting are sad and filled with regret, the drama is not centered on that, but in the re-building of a family and the search of happiness.

The drama could have gone melodramatic so easily, and it could have used the subjects it portrays for gratuitous suffering, but it never does. It deals with stuff like bullying, homophobia, grief, separation anxiety and letting go, but it always does so respectfully and with emotional maturity.

It could have also turned preachy or superficial, considering that Yaichi (performed by Sato Ryuta) isn't gay and is left to understand the life of his brother who was, and to navigate his relationship with the brother-in-law he is meeting for the first time. Yaichi, being not only the protagonist but a kind of ambassador to Mike, who is a foreigner and a stranger in many ways to their community, could have very easily turned into a 'ally savior' trope. But there are well crafted elements throughout the story, instances of development and conversations with Mike and other characters, that allow for this show to be a great combination between a mature lgbtq+ narrative, a wholesome family story and a way to put out there subjects into conversation that the audience the drama was aiming to might have not seen in this way before.

Also, absolute stand out thing to me that I was not expecting is the way in which Yaichi's relationship with Natsuki, his ex wife, was written and performed. It's complex yet very simply human but it's not demonized or made into a him vs her situation with their daughter in the middle, like a lot of dramas with divorce tend to do.

The kids in this are adorable, btw.

All in all, wholesome, bittersweet yet with a positive spirit and an ultimate message of family, I would absolutely recommend. The only bad thing is that it's only 3 episodes long.

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Completed
Love Me, Love Me Not
11 people found this review helpful
Feb 12, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A manga adaptation that was ruined by the manga.

I was super excited about this movie because of the cast -- our #BestCP from I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kitamura Takumi and Hamabe Minami), plus Akaso Eiji (will admit that I don't know the other female lead).
However as the story got on I realized it was so full of typical shoujo manga/drama tropes that I would like jokingly name the most "tropey" plot development possibility and it would friggin' come true. Like it became a hilarious meme that I was predicting the characters' next line or the next camera scene. And the story did get really WTF as it went on...

However the directing is AMAZING. The way the story slowly unfolded and we started to see hints of what each character was thinking based on subtle facial expression hints, or hints in what they said, or random zoom ins of the camera... I really liked the whole process of trying to guess what would happen next. I looked up the director and found he was the same one who did Tomorrow I will Date with Yesterday's You, as well as Girl in the Sunny Place. I loved *both* movies when they came out, and I can see how they were done by the same director -- all movies featured a lot of foreshadowing and shocking (but predictable if you were tracking earlier scenes) plot twists.

Official theme song is by Higedan. I know the song from my Spotify playlist because I love their work for Confidenceman JP. The other BGM were also very nicely chosen and fit the theme. I would totes put the whole OST on repeat.

TL;DR: Watch it not for the ridiculous plot, but for the way the story is told to you. And extra points if you like the actors/actresses, because they really get to show off their skills in this one.

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Completed
A Good Day to Be a Dog
11 people found this review helpful
by Suru
Sep 12, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Better than many other rom com released in 2024

disclaimer: thank God I dint know about the webtoon version.

The storyline - not bad at all. unraveling the curse and lifting it they kept the story intact. mountain God (gumiho) holding a grudge has definitely gave me a vibe of tale of nine tailed but it's not exactly copy.

the cast was good. the kisses were fire!
the supporting charecters got their own story which I liked.

what I don't like is it could be finished in 12 episodes. they dragged a bit. else it's alright.
if someone can buy the plot of kind the land (like the most common 3rd gen chaebol guy with childhood trauma) then I don't know why the same audience did dirty to this show.

ignore the reviews, go watch. I know you will feel it's dragged somewhere, so just fast forward those parts. but just watch. it's not as bad as the reviews are saying!

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Completed
Harbin
11 people found this review helpful
Jan 24, 2025
Completed 2
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

With the knife wiped clean of blood

I'm fully here for anti-colonial struggle. And Harbin certainly provides that, depicting a fictionalised story of the events leading up to the assassination of Itō Hirobumi at the hands of Korean independence activist An Jung-geun.

But this is a war film. Its purpose seems more to heroise rather than provide any real analysis or insight. I agree with Misunderst0_od's assessment of the first half of Harbin with its "boring scenes of men discussing, planning, and excessively smoking in a dark room". In the first half – and maybe the second too – the film seems more concerned with the aesthetics of anti-colonial struggle and less so its substance.

This is fine, I guess. The approach lends itself well to the strong thriller that the second half successfully delivers. Personally, I'm more interested in the tricky dilemmas along the way. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Itō Hirobumi is portrayed as a complex character, as Misunderst0_od sees it. I think he's certainly shown to be clever and self-aware, but he's very much still a straight-up Bad Guy and he is not afforded any emotional complexity. But that's ok - he's not the tricky dilemma I was interested in.

What I was far more interested in was the character with the "inner conflict" (borrowing from Misunderst0_od here again). First, what intrigued me was the inner conflict itself. How do you come to terms with betraying what you hold dear? And second, seeing how the other characters judged the actions of this conflicted character. I thought this would've been an excellent opportunity to study how people factor coercion into their judgement of others. How much can you blame a person for their actions when they've clearly been coerced into them?

Yet Harbin does not answer these questions. At least, not to my satisfaction. It instead presents what is, in my opinion, far too clean an ending. Without giving anything away, the ending seems just a bit to good to be true – and in a way that avoids a difficult moral grappling.

I will say, the cinematography did boost my star rating for Harbin. The film opens with an impressive landscape shot and then feeds you a few more epic ones along the way. You can definitely see where the budget was spent.

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Completed
V Love
11 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2017
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers
First of all, the reason why I watched this drama is that the synopsis said this was the "Chinese Gossip Girl" which I later found out was not the case. I watched Eternal Love and really liked the actors which so happened to be in this drama, so I decided to give it a try.

Be warned and

SPOILER (kind of)

You're going to be disappointed if you're expecting this be like Gossip Girl on The CW.

This show is NOT like Gossip Girl. There was no mysterious "Gossip Girl" who exposed some of the character's secrets. Yeah, there's a lot of drama that happens between the characters. There were a few times where people gossiped on their phones about main characters. The drama has the wealthy/popular/beautiful characters but they aren't really b*tchy or super egotistical. Most of the cast play students, but they're university students....and that's about where the similarities with Gossip Girl ends.

Was it terrible though? For me, even though the plot wasn't what I expected, it wasn't that bad either so it didn't really waste my time.

The cast did pretty well with the acting. I have to give credit to them since most of the actors here were rookies at the time and I think for some, it was their debut drama.

Overall, I think they did a pretty good job!

I rewatched the drama and enjoyed it more since I really like a few of the actors after watching some of their more recent dramas (Dilireba, Zhang Vin Vin, Gao Vengo, etc).


Edit: I forgot to mention that the order of the episodes is really weird. I'm not sure if that's how the drama was directed or purposely edited. But I think the last few episodes don't match up with what happened previous episodes. I don't know if that's because I missed something important or if the people who uploaded the show put it in the wrong order.

For those who need English subs, I don't know if this show has been subbed because I watched this on Youtube which had no subtitles. I also couldn't find any other drama sites that have this show on, but if there is, I think it would be raw.

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Completed
Hear Me
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 3, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I rarely watch Taiwanese movies, but I was excited to watch this one simply because of the sign language. I didn't have any expectation on the story. Thus, I found it was really beautiful! Full of surprise! You can find sweet and touching as well as funny scenes at once.

This movie was easy to follow, you just have to sit back, enjoy the great acts, and let your heart warmed.

Girls, be prepared to fall for the leading actor's character!
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Completed
God of Lost Fantasy
11 people found this review helpful
Oct 17, 2020
52 of 52 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Got lost watching the whole drama

How do i even summarize this drama? A mess and a lot of plot loops ?
1st) usually long dramas will drag, and this one did. I enjoyed a good half of it and then started to get confuse and lose interest towards the middle .
2nd) wanted to watched mostly because the main leads were Sheng Yi lun and Wang zhi wen .

Storyline ( let me try my best to summary)
There was an evil sword that no one who control, so Feng gave up her life to put a seal/lock the sword. This causes her husband to go to the dark side, thus creating the evil dude group aka An Ye You Ting. There is also a earthly king and his people, as well as this sect called Jiu Hua. The male lead goes to like a deity school and gets into the sect of Jiu hua, which there is a prince. The female lead is also in the sect. She is the daughter of the Mo family who is respected by the earthly king. The Mo family turns out not to be the family of the female lead, but the female lead is actually the daughter of feng and the evil dude. Meanwhile , another powerful family is the Ye family. One of the main protagonist his the elder Ye son., Ye wu Que. He's obonxious, arrogant and evil. He joins hands with An Ye You ting to try to kill the male lead. I forgot to mention that the male lead once did have any wuxia ability, but somehow got this stone and his powers increased a lot. After that, a whole bunch of stuff happens, lol by the end I'm kinda lost.

Romance- hardly anything between the female and male lead, mostly hugging. Finally the kiss at the very end, lol ep 52!!! Even the second male lead the prince, got a kiss from his loved one...

The last 15 episodes just confused me, it was like two stories were happening because the male and female lead were both separated and faced their own things, and towards the end they just merged the two story into one, and called it an ending.

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Completed
My Sibling's Romance
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 15, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 2.5

Sigh, what is there to say

This is going to be a review focused on events and behaviors rather than individual cast members.

Recommend For: Anyone who likes relationship Drama with an emphasis on the capital “D”, complicated relationships, playing detective/armchair psychologist (I do not mean this in a derogatory way at all—I dabble in both), or learning healthier relationship dynamics (in this case, a lot of it from a what NOT to do perspective lol)

Do Not Recommend For: Anyone looking for a “feel good,” “peaceful,” “not like other dating shows” program. If that’s what you are looking for, drop after episode 3

Okay. Wow. This show started off very peaceful, very heartfluttering, very soft. And ended the complete opposite. It will give you whiplash and, depending on which couples you are rooting for, you may even feel very depleted/down/anxious in real life after certain episodes.

The showmakers did a great job creating storylines—the middle section (before Singapore) dragged a bit but things really picked up once they were in Singapore (the last few episodes). Lots of drama, lots of twists, lots of building up mystery of what certain contestants will do. I think this show went from “Oh yeah, it’s obvious who will pick each other at the end” to “Hmm, this could really end in three+ different ways.” So that element of it is great.

The showmakers tried to make it a heartwarming, deep show, but unfortunately it ended up being a messy drama due to two castmembers being very confused and confusing. Literally, there is no one on the show the two didn’t confuse at one point or another. So I really don’t blame the showmakers for how the show turned out. They did a phenomenal job crafting the familyvibe and making space for the siblings to show love for each other and acknowledge each other in a way that family sometimes forgets to do in regular life. A good reminder for all of us to let those we appreciate know how and why we appreciate them.

Moving on to the main bit: I think this show should be shown in high school health class (remember the healthy relationships module?) because there is SO MUCH to learn. From this show, I’ve become more mindful of:

• Words
o There are times when a castmember is sensitive to words they receive, but then turn around and dish out hurtful words too (not on purpose, probably just didn’t think carefully about the impact of their words or thought they were making a joke when it wasn’t actually funny). It makes me reflect on things I’m sensitive about others doing but excuse when I myself do the same thing.
• Clarity
o Confusing people is hurtful and causes harm over a longer period of time than just telling the truth. Rip the band aid off once instead of tugging at it over and over. From watching the cast, I also learned key things to look for if I suspect someone is being insincere or playing with my emotions:
 Are they clear? Can I ask them a yes/no question and actually receive a yes/no?
 How do I feel when they speak to me? Do I feel anxious, confused, and like I’m always having to *guess* what they’re thinking?
 Do our conversations go anywhere or are they in circles and jumbled?
• Walking Away
o Part of maintaining healthy relationships is knowing when to walk away. I realized that even if all the butterflies and attraction are there, sometimes it is best to just cut the relationship off at the very beginning if it’s already creating anxiety, negative tension, huge yo-yo-ing of emotions. I realized that I personally just want something peaceful and calm, that makes me feel good without the unnecessary anxiety over whether my partner actually likes me or not. Of course, the castmembers are in a situation where they have a limited set of people to pursue for a period of time, so I don’t at all mean this as a dig at any of them who chose maybe not the healthiest connection.
• Values
o Having similar values means you can share a similar foundation. If I’m liberal but my partner is conservative (in terms of family roles, expectations of behavior, etc) it may require a little extra attention to make sure we both feel healthy and supported. There are some differences in values that will prevent a relationship from being healthy and fully supportive of all sides, no matter how wildly the partners love each other.
• Self Care
o Dating when you haven’t worked through your own traumas and issues can mean that your defense mechanisms, built in response to trauma, can hurt your partner. I don’t think I have to be “perfect” before I get into a relationship, but I will definitely be working on my communication and processing. I noticed a lot of pain came from a castmember keeping everything inside and only at the last minute expressing their real feelings (even to their sibling!), when it easily could have been avoided by saying something like “Hey, I’m interested in you but I’m also a little confused about if my feelings are real interest or just fleeting. I want to find out if it’s based in something real and want to let you know about my current confusion so you can make the best of your time here as well.”
o It is impossible to please everyone. Be yourself, be honest (but not curel) with your thoughts and feelings, and you will build a community that supports who you really are as a person.

Anyway, very long review. I didn’t want to write too much about my thoughts on the psychology and behavior of the individual castmemebers (although, believe me, I have a LOT of thoughts, and have shared a lot of it in the comments already lol) since we all interpret their behaviors and character differently, but wanted to instead focus on what I took away from the show. I appreciate the dating programs that also, through the cast, provide insight into a healthier way of creating, maintaining, evolving, or ending relationships.

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Completed
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
11 people found this review helpful
Sep 29, 2019
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
While it should probably be the characters or a plot that is the highlight of a drama, for me it was the visual aspects of the show. From the gorgeous costumes to the lush settings, or the close-up shots of brush work and the quality of the props, everything about the visuals in this drama were impeccable and thoroughly enjoyable to take in.

That being said, this drama is also strong in the character and plot departments. While there were a couple of minor characters that were annoying or felt flat here and there, overall the broad host of characters were well-developed and engaging, sometimes providing some fun comic relief. A couple of the episodes felt like an interesting side adventure that was deviating from the main story, but it all ties together in the end.

Though the first couple episodes really focus on the love story in a satisfying but pretty typical way, there are twists and challenges coming later on, and takes routes you might not expect. And while this is one of the main threads of the drama, there are also significant themes of political intrigue, the struggle for equality, the importance of history, and the power of knowledge, so don't skip over it thinking it's just a romance!

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Completed
Fishbowl Wives
11 people found this review helpful
Feb 15, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

They really went all out and did not come here to play

Loved it!

I am totally biased because I love seeing Iwata Takanori acting and have been waiting for this ever since he posted about it on his Instagram, but I like it regardless.

This is a very controversial topic, but should be discussed nonetheless. It deals with infidelity from multiple perspectives, and gives an insight into multiple couples who all live in the same apartment complex. Rather than approaching this drama thinking that it has been made to justify certain behaviour (cheating and abuse), think of it as a way to explain it. Because humans aren't perfect, and we don't always make the best decisions with sound judgement. Often, I experienced feeling annoyed with characters but then understanding their struggles. At times it will be frustrating, but that's the point. Certain characters will try to justify themselves, and you'll just roll your eyes, but that doesn't mean the character wronged will forgive them.

The acting was really great. The leads really outdid themselves and went all out. The side characters also put their all into their characters, despite not being part of the main plot. I'm always impressed with Iwata Takanori's work and his choices of roles outside of EXILE-related dramas. I really felt his anxiety over wanting to protect Sakura. Shinohara Ryoko also did really well at expressing her pain. The name of the drama is really important - Fishbowl Wives. And that's exactly how Sakura felt. In the condo, she felt she had to live up to expectations of being totally in love with her husband, but behind the scenes, she was suffering. Shinohara Ryoko did a really good job of expressing that.

Back to the title - it is significant in understanding the emotions of the women in this drama. Many wives in Japan become housewives after marriage, and the wives in this drama are no different. They are confined to the private sphere of their home with no room to grow, and as Haruto explains, goldfish need room to grow in their bowls. With no room to grow, the wives are additionally scrutinized and judged and cannot find a place to fully be themselves. Sakura was able to find such a place with Haruto, but it was different for all the wives.

Side note, episode 6 had a twist that had the potential to make this drama a psychological thriller and I love that. 😂

Overall, the drama raises important questions on what it means to be successful and happy. It also gives an insight into the expectations of women and some of the choices they might make when they feel lost, despite being in a loving marriage. I definitely do recommend this drama, but it is of course important to read the tags, because it is much more mature than other dramas.

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Completed
Fly High
11 people found this review helpful
Sep 16, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
You know it's hard to give a review when I don't even know what the movie is about even after watching it. The way the scenes were put together were so choppy and made following the story very difficult! That being said, I did somehow enjoy watching the movie and never found myself bored. The acting was fantastic by everyone but especially Bae Soo Bin and Kim Byul. Their characters were very strange so they managed to pull it off really well. Although I didn't like the unpredictable ending, Id still watch this again cause i love the cast.
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Completed
Doomsday Book
11 people found this review helpful
by tiitek
Aug 15, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Movie is divided into 3 totally different stories. So...we have tree ways to end our world: zombie attack, robots becoming more spiritual then humans and of course giant 8-ball that will destroy the earth. I have to say the last story was most bizarre and most enjoying to watch. This movie is crazy! Really! Story is unique there is no doubt! I actually enjoyed watching it a lot. Even the zombie version, although I don't usually prefer this kind of movies, but the way zombie virus hit the population was interesting. I can only say that recycling is scary... The robot story reminded me of Japanese anime, and the whole soul in the shell concept. And of course mine favorite 8-ball attack.
This movie is not for anybody, some will hate it some will love it, I'm in between, and I will give this movie strong 7.

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Completed
K.O.3an Guo
11 people found this review helpful
Oct 11, 2014
53 of 53 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 3.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
K.O.3an Guo is part of a chain of series called "Zhong Ji" or in english "K.O." K.O.3an Guo was the first one and only one I have watched so far. I'll start by telling you that it is not a follow up story. Although, they have the setting (7 dimensions blah blah blah), you don't need to watch the preceding K.O. to enjoy this one.

This is one of the few modern wuxia (martial arts) dramas. In this drama, there's some law that the police can't get involved in school affairs. In each school, it's like normal school except it houses martial artists. Some of them are "ma gua" which means they have no martials arts. They have this whole hierarchy which isn't explained very well. But basically, in this drama, school and people are fighting for power. It's also loosely based on the Romance of The Three Kingdoms and all the characters are named after characters from the novel.

Weird isn't it? That's my reaction to the first episode. The series was meant to be comical although the comedy subsided a bit later in the show when things got serious.

Story: The story was much better than I expected. It actually kept me hooked. That they actually had plans for this drama. Though sometimes things were resolved in a weird way. But that's what this drama is..."weird". For example, in this drama, chickens are extinct and they're treating like precious, godlike animals. The emperor's seal is even a golden chicken. But chickens turned out to play a good part in the drama. The first couple of episodes made you think that this was mostly a gag drama but it evolved into much more than that. The character development was beautiful <3. Each of the main characters had their own story and their own issues and we got to watch them overcome those issues.

Acting: The acting is bad. But since this drama isn't very serious or there is little to no serious acting to be done, it's fine. Also the reason that the acting is bad, is because the cast are minor celebrities (except George Hu) and mostly musicians/rockers. Such as Dong Cheng Wei.

It's a wuxia drama, therefore terrible CGI effects. But the story, the friendship, the bromance, the romance- you can look past all the flaws.

Music: Like I said, the cast are mostly musicians so the music is great. I have downloaded most of the soundtrack. After watching this drama, I grew a love for chinese rock music. The background music stuck with me many months after completing this show.

The drama is long. But don't let the number of episodes and the weirdness turn you away. It suprised me how good this drama was.

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Completed
Dalja's Spring
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 9, 2016
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This is a retro romcom that hasn't lost any of it's charm! I was very skeptical when starting to watch this. I was afraid it would be too dated, or too long, but It was neither. This show features a great ensemble cast, and leads with amazing chemistry. I think it rivals any modern romcom, in spite the fact that it relies on so many drama clichés.

Maybe it was a little more innovative at the time, but the story is super basic by today's standards. Super cute curly-haired Dalja is anxious about getting older, when she ends up getting involved in a pretend relationship with a much younger and carefree Tae Bong. Their story involves everything you expect, including a classic relationship contract, but that still didn't stop me from loving watching their story unfold. Dalja's constant complaints about being old were annoying, and some of her fantasies are super cheesy, but she is an extremely likable character. Chae Rim did a good job of making her naive without being extremely annoying. She matched perfectly with Lee Min Ki's much edgier portrayal of Kang Tae Bong. Tae Bong has a mischievous charm that makes him very crush worthy. His eyes were very red, as if he was always high, or had bad allergies, but the looks he would give Dalja made it impossible for her (and I) not to fall for him. Their kissing moments left a lot to be desired, but I expect that from a drama this old. Their chemistry alone makes the show good enough to watch, but there is also an amazing supporting cast.

What I love most about the supporting cast is that I had no idea how significant, and interesting they would become. On the surface they are stereotypical... the playboy, the cool egotistical host, the perfect on paper second lead, the scary boss (with the awesome glasses)... but each of these characters end up being way more complicated, and significant. I adored Lee Hye Young as Seon Joo, who I expected to hate, but won me over. Gong Hyung Jin was great too, even if his hair was distractingly stupid. I even loved some of the more minor characters, like Jang Young Nam as Ki Joong's psycho wife. The minor storylines were also entertaining, so they never felt like filler, and they helped to make the 22 episodes not drag for me.

Even though I really liked the writing, if there was a kdrama trope checklist, this drama would almost check every box. The drama is however clever enough to make fun of that fact several times during some of the show's "if this were a drama" moments. It also plays off of some of Dalja's romanticized ideas about romance. Still, it's super predictable at every turn, but the cast is so good that knowing what will happen didn't stop me from wanting to see it happen. My only real complaint is that, although I liked the endings for the supporting characters, I didn't love the ending for the main couple. I rolled my eyes several times during the last 2 episodes, but It did however leave me wanting more, which I guess is a good thing.

The OST for this show is also a good one, and matches the mood of the show well. The main song definitely got stuck in my head! But it's the illustrations that really steal the show! I looooooved the artwork, which was a really nice touch, and captured the characters and stories well.

Overall this is a drama cute enough to stand the test of time. I could see myself watching this again just because the characters are so fun. I really liked the theme of true love vs expectations of love as well. I highly recommend Dal Ja's Spring to anyone who avoids retro dramas... I think you may also be pleasantly surprised.

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Completed
To the Moon and Back
11 people found this review helpful
by Lighter Flower Award1
May 2, 2025
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This 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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