Completed
One Day Off
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 2, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Walk, Eat, Wander and don't miss out on this delightful drama!

One Day Off was a soothing, tranquil drama which showed that all who wander are not lost. Served up in eight small bites of travel and food, the drama was easy to digest. It was also gently inspiring without overstepping into preachiness.

Teacher Park Ha Kyung dealt with life's stressors and monotony by using one of her weekly days off to travel. She explored new and old places meeting a variety of people along the way. Sunsets, bakeries, and butterflies led her to some of life's small and grand adventures.

By escaping her daily rut physically and mentally she stretched her mind and heart. "Life is about messing up!" Reflecting on how she was the same age her parents were when they had children, she also found ways to accept the inevitable effects of time and aging. She faced generational conflicts, "Democracy is always loud by nature" and learned to "Dance, even if you trip!" Her traveling also helped her to come to terms with grief and loss as she reminisced.

The drama was beautifully shot and helped the viewer briefly travel to new and interesting places as well. Lee Na Young made for a perfectly lovely traveling companion on these simple but enlightening journeys. Showing how Ha Kyung was slightly awkward at times, but more often than not accepting of where she was in life, I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. She gave just the right balance of maturity and youthful inquisitiveness.

Each episode encompassed a new idea as well as place and touched on various emotions. The drama offered up laughter, sorrow, and new relationship possibilities. Every place on her travel itinerary featured delightful food offerings. One Day Off highlighted how the moments of clarity, joy, and human connections make the efforts worthwhile. It also showed how those same wanderings can deepen the pathway into knowing ourselves, sparking new curiosity for adventures of the mind, regardless of age. Walk, eat, wander---One Day Off shows the journey is truly more important than the destination.

6/2/23

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Ongoing 43/43
Nothing but Thirty
11 people found this review helpful
by NNN
Aug 9, 2020
43 of 43 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Infinitely relatable even if you're not 30

What a well-written, powerful, and fully satisfying show. I am the target demographic of this drama, and I relate so strongly to all of these characters despite not having gone through their exact experiences. Even if you're not the main target demo, I'd hope the main message of, "Know yourself, and do what you think is best for you, whatever that is, whenever that is" still resonate. and 30 really is just a convenient milestone used to discuss this idea. If these women were 35, 40, 45, I could still see the message resonate the same way.

What I love most is the character growth in this show, for almost everyone. Well, for XHS you can say it's reverse growth? Some dramas hook you by the plot, some by the OTP, and some, like this one, with its characters and their journey. I've never been this invested in characters' life since Ming Lan. They grow like real people - as in, they don't change 180. They're still themselves, just more/less [something], as the consequence of the journey that they went through. It's the journey that got me invested as a viewer, and it's the growth that made me feel rewarded for my investment. Even the supposed "perfect" character, Gu Jia, had her growth, even though she paid dearly for it. I love how her existing capabilities helped her through her crisis, but she also realized it was her focus on her capabilities that made her blind to the troubling change in her husband (not an excuse for him in any way; I just agree with her own reflection about her part in the end of her marriage: with or without LYY, they would have suffered conflict, and what she learned was she cannot and shouldn't solve problems for everyone).

What I really appreciate is how all the men in the show are extremely, extremely flawed - some redeemable, some not. There's no prince charming on a white horse anywhere, no "overbearing CEO" hot guy who's actually really perfect inside. Just men, with their personal and socialized burdens they put on women :)

What I wanted more of was how they becamethis ride-of-die trio. I know we had all those crossed paths that brought Manni together with XiaoQin and Gu Jia, and I LOVE their friendship chemistry. But if we think about their personalities, lifestyle, and hobbies, there's not a lot of overlap. Maybe that's the point - they just like one another for who they are :) I do find it hard to believe though that someone as kind as Manni didn't make any other close friends in her 8 years in Shanghai.

My favorite quote (among many), was, "Our marriage didn't fail. It just ended." (Gu Jia)

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Completed
Lucky's First Love
11 people found this review helpful
Oct 22, 2019
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
I have been a watcher of Chinese Dramas for a while now, I started during the school holidays just to relieve myself from the horrors of the outside world, when I was feeling most down basically. The first one I watched was "Put Your Head on my Shoulder" (致我们暖暖的小时光). I honestly have to give credit to that drama for actually making me continue with this drama watching spree.

I watched this drama "Lucky's First Love" (世界欠你一个初恋) because I really liked the cover image and the name of it. I know that we should know never judge a book by its cover - or in this case a drama, but I felt that because of that I was going to love it and I was right! My favourite genre and storyline of dramas are those warm, fluffy, exciting ones (of course romance!) and after watching them I can crawl into my hole and start questioning my life existence basically (haha why am I single). I also read the blurb of the drama but it didn't make sense to me so I thought, why don't I give it a try. I watched it on Duboku because Youtube didn't have it, unfortunately for non-chinese speakers, Duboku doesn't include captions.

Story:

I really love the storyline, most of it it wasn't too long or draggy, and things developed the way they should've - in a steady pace. One part of the story that I really wished wasn't the way it was is the ending. The ending wasn't too bad, but I wished they would slow it down a bit. One moment they're kissing and exchanging their vows and the next its months later where they are planning to have kids. I really wished the director had decided to slow down it a bit, like I would be really interested in watching Xing Yun move over to Xia Ke's house and the families of both meeting each other. I understand that sometimes the number of episodes in a drama can't be controlled and that is really unfortunate.
Another part of the story that I wish could've been different was during the tragic times, when every just when down - the investment funds, and ex-girlfriend coming back wanting to take the place of current girlfriend etc. Those bits were necessary to the development of the drama, but they went on a bit too long, should've left more space for the happy stuff! I also think that the main characters should've gotten more screen time, not that the other 2 couples shouldn't be noticed of course.

Acting/Cast:

The 2 main leads were really amazing, and I got to discover two new actors that I can watch out for in the future! I have never watched them and they were great. Bai Lu and Xing Zhaolin acted so well that as an audience I feel like I was apart of their world and the emotion and passion that went into portraying the two characters made me cry and feel jealous many times. The kiss scenes between them were hot and fiery and it shows the passion that the characters have for each other (ahhh).
The supporting actors for other characters also did so well. They blended into the storyline very well and there weren't any obvious problems that made them different to what we expect.
I also really want to mention that I am fangirling over Xing Zhaolin so much, he's one beautiful being. So is Bai Lu. :)

Music:

In the drama there weren't actually a lot of obvious music, it was mainly background tracks to work with the scene. I've only heard the starting theme song once because Duboku cuts off the intros and moves straight to the drama, but the theme song is really lively and I like it. The theme song is also sang by Xing Zhaolin. <3

Rewatch Value:

I gave this a 9/10 because I haven't actually rewatched any dramas and I don't think I have a habit of rewatching dramas, maybe one day I will, but when I do this is definitely a should!

Overall I give this drama a 10 because I won't let the score be affected with the music or the rewatch value. :)

If you like warm, fluffy, sweet and dramas that make you question why you're still single, here's the one! Hope you enjoy my review and I hope you watch the drama for yourself.

<3

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Completed
The X-Dormitory
10 people found this review helpful
by Alice
Dec 12, 2014
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
I couldn't wait for this drama to come out after watching KO One Re-act. I was expecting Xia Tian and Ai Xiang or their counterparts to be in this drama since the trailer had Gui Long, Xia Tian and Ai Xiang in it. But I was sadly disappointed that only Gui Long made a cameo.

I was also kind of disappointed in this drama, compared to X Family and KO Re-act, but it was better than KO One Return. That was the worst out of the whole KO series. There is barely any Yi Neng shown in the drama, which made it disappointing. I personally do like when they add Yi Neng or Zhan Li Zhi Su in the KO series because the stories are mostly based off of it and it does make it more entertaining.

Some of the characters in this drama claim to be Yi Neng Xing Zhe, but they barely show it. It made me think their no different from Ma Gua.They also have love interests in this drama, but never fully commit to the relationship, just like Re-act, which bugged me.

But the comedy never fails to make me laugh. I gave a higher score to the music because it was placed correctly to convey the important moments, which made the story more bearable. I also feel that they jammed everything interesting in the plot in the last episode, which made me think the characters in the drama were waiting for something to happen for most of the drama's running time.

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Completed
The Embers
11 people found this review helpful
Feb 26, 2025
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10

Definitely worth watching!

The plot is truly impressive, with everything meticulously planned. The actors deliver outstanding performances, bringing the story to life with such depth and emotion. The flow of the plot is seamless, and the cleverly placed hidden details for the next episode always leave you eagerly anticipating what’s next. It’s an absolute must-watch! This drama deserves all the praise, and hopefully, it gets the recognition and awards it truly deserves. This drama was so incredible that I even went ahead and subscribed to WeTV just to watch it! That’s how captivating and well-crafted it is.

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Completed
Monga
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This was a really good movie. I loved the 80's memories that jumped into my head while watching it. I really liked the music that was played (go Air Supply). Ok enough of the 80's memories. God the hair and the ugly clothes. Make me stop now the memories r killing me. AGGGGGG!



Ok for real! The movie was really good. I liked the story of brotherhood and loyality. Acting was great. I could not get over the mullet hair on Rhydian Vaughan. I will watch this again just for the 80's throw-back. I was born in the 80's so it's funny for me to watch and look at some of the stuff that was around back then. The one thing I think that they got wrong though is the earbuds that were used to listen to the music. I don't think they had those back then, but I could be wrong. I will have to look it up. Anyway watch it is u want. I think it is good enough for a 2nd run.

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Completed
Three Brothers
11 people found this review helpful
by Tsuyu
Jun 24, 2012
70 of 70 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This may sound bizarre, but I can't say this was an outstanding drama, but I enjoyed it immensely. I appreciated that every character fit their role; it was as if they were hand-picked and match perfectly and throughout the drama, they remained true to that character. What actually drew me to this drama were the family conflicts. It just reminds of an old saying, "Sometimes family can be your worst enemy". "Three Brothers" took that concept and ran with it. The sibling rivalry between the adult brothers is precipitated by their own mother, as was the daughter-in-laws. Stubborn, oblivious, and conniving spouses only added to the drama. I loved this drama because I could relate to craziness that involved this family, and connecting, families. "Three Brothers" is a must see and an eye opener for domestic relations.

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Completed
Warrior Baek Dong Soo
11 people found this review helpful
by Mappi
Sep 7, 2012
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
If i can write in english what i think it would be great, but i can't.
WBDS it's a story that worth to be live, because that is what you'll have. I think that it's impossible to only 'watch' the serie, but it needs to be felt, to be lived. Every characters needs to be understood, good or evil it doesn't matter, because it doesn't really exist, that is what make this drama so beautiful.
Of course if you like the simple love story, it's not the drama for you.
Hope it could be useful somehow...
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Completed
The Love of Siam
11 people found this review helpful
May 26, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

find the Director's cut

If you can find it, the Director's Cut really makes the story make a lot more sense. It adds only 20-30 minutes but frankly I'm not sure why those scenes were cut while the long boring parts of the father in the hospital remained. It clocks in at 3 hours though so it is quite long.

This is one of my all-time favorite films. While it's not perfect it still makes me cry in all of the same places, especially the ending. For me Ying was the most important character and the hero of the film. But I am a sucker for unrequited love stories and characters who give up their loves because it's best for everyone.

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Completed
Little Forest: Summer & Autumn
11 people found this review helpful
Jan 30, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
Beautiful film to watch in a lazy Sunday Morning or a Saturday afternoon. Makes me want to escape the big city and live in a rural area in peace, alone.

If you enjoy watching light dramas with simple narrative,
If you love (preparing) and eating food,
If you like Ai Hashimoto,
If you are interested with rural Japan or agriculture in general,

this film is for you.


I love this film. It has calming effect on me. Beautiful is not enough to describe its cinematography. The film allowed us to observe, from afar and up close, the lives of Komori - rice paddies, little insects, trees, fruits, etc.The unexpected use of electronic music on the background is effective. And, I love the soft voice of Hashimoto narrating throughout the film.

You won't regret watching it. Maybe you will end up wanting more.

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Completed
Only Love You
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 27, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

This a Sweet Love/Hate Short length drama

To those who are hesitating to watch this because of the love triangle don't worry is a one-sided love in the SML part, FL only loves ML and they are loyal to each other, and the romantic scene is eyecandy to watch and its a happy ending don't worry😊

Just watch and judge yourself if it good enough for you, for me i enjoy watching this.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
...............................................................................................

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Jun 24, 2012
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0
The only reason that the rating is so low is because that the story really left you hanging. It was good and very light-hearted but it didn't really have any substance. At times I was laughing really hard, but I didn't really come away with anything. I do recommend that you watch it if you want some care-free and fun. I really enjoyed the music and acting. The rating for acting would have been higher if the roles were more substantial, but I think that the actors did a great job with what they were given. Hope this helps :)
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Completed
Her Private Life
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 1, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers
This is my first review. So I have chosen a perfect series that warmed my heart.

The story is really light-hearted and warm that it is so fun to watch with a perfect blend of romance and comedy (and a lot of kisses). The emotions of each characters are well constructed and directed that the series is perfect for Binge watching.

The actors have done far beyond justice to their characters which makes the series a lot beautiful. The cast cannot be in anyway replaced with anyone.

The OSTs (my favourite being the title theme) are very beautiful and gives a lift to the series.

Last but not the least, the series does not contain any kinds of abusive characters, evil plots, forced love. That's what makes this series a perfect to re-watch when you are down.

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Completed
Joseon Exorcist
11 people found this review helpful
Mar 27, 2021
2 of 2 episodes seen
Completed 10
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Inappropriately targeted and cancelled

What a promising horror fantasy set in the time of the Joseon Dynasty, with characters that were a mix of actual and fictional.
The story was pure fiction, with corpses rising from the dead, with a thirst for blood and the very life force of people. Controlled by a demon spirit somehow connected to the King and his father before him.
It was gripping and with sarcasm and light humour added to counterbalance the horror and gore... there was plenty of the latter, so not for those who dislike horror and blood.
I was gutted that this well made series was cancelled after only 2 episodes, due to props in a really short scene and then, criminally, because it distorted history and misrepresented the characters who actually lived... even though it was a work of fiction and fantasy. I honestly cannot believe it. One could not make this scenario up.
We will never know what else this story was going to offer.
The misplaced reasons given by an extremist group of citizens was totally OTT in this particular instance.
I cannot believe they were listened and pandered to, especially when it was explained the props used were actually in line with the time and area the characters were in. So, only the historical aspects they choose should be accurate, it seems, even in a fantasy.
A crying shame.

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Completed
Step by Step
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 24, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.5
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.5

Why?

Tried so hard to like this but as it wore one long episode after episode I felt like I was in an endurance race of mediocrity.
Pat has three faces...open mouth breathing, grimacing and then my favorite...trying hard to act like he is thinking. He's a singer not an actor. Give it up kid. Or watch some GMM TV great actors for clues. Your director obviously doesn't have one. Or was saddled with you and tried to fix to no avail. Really the worst BL performance I have ever seen. And I wanted so much to like from previews.

Chot and Jeng are fine and fun to watch and good production values but so long and who cares. The lead actor is so out of his depth and even puffy lips cant save him. Jaab is stunningly handsome but a case of arrested development aided by rich spoiled kid syndrome. Think he read German philosophers to learn to act soulful and sad.

Sorry this is a waste of time. Sorry I did. You are warned.

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