Reviews

Definitely worth a Re-watch

I’ve finished watching Episode 12 of “Unforgotten Night” and although I can understand why some of the reviews are waspish to say the least, I also think they show the dangers of attempting comparative reviews of both novel and film. The novel is one thing, and the film series is another, and neither can, or should, be judged by the other.
Take the character of Cherry as the outstanding example. She appears in the series, but isn’t even suggested in the novel. And yet in the film series she undergoes considerable character change, which Ging Areeya Pholphutrakul develops very well indeed. Without Cherry, the evil antagonist Danai, excellently played by Beam Sarunyu Prachakrit, would certainly not be as villainous.
The decision to write Cherry into the narrative can only be placed at the door of Ongart Singlumpong, classified as the “Producing Director”. This highly capable and experienced person has an unusually strong gift for cinematic narrative and continuity, which shows itself throughout the production.
Another big contrast between series and novel is the character of Kamol, impressively presented by Yoon Phusanu Wongsavanishakorn. In the novel, Kamol is a stereotypical Mafia leader, tall, hard, with a black beard, enough to send shivers along the spine of any ordinary person, whereas in the series Kamol is shown as a slightly built, baby-faced, rather introverted character, although possessing the organisational and killer qualities of a Mafia boss. As for Kim, very sensitively and intelligently presented by Ton Saran Anantasetthakul, throughout the series he changes from an unhappy and dependent young man to a loving, confident and very capable companion and tiger-lover.
The film series does show the lack of a truly supportive budget, but even so, the story comes through. With the resources provided by a wealthier backing, “Unforgotten Night” could easily have turned out to be an unforgettable series. However, as it exists, it is certainly worth paying attention to and re-watching for a number of excellent strengths and subtle flair.

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This was disappointing, but a last-ditch effort at the end sort of saved it.

There was a sadness throughout the whole series (just 6 short episodes), with Tee and Fuse reuniting for their third anniversary together... except, from as much as we could tell, Tee and Fuse are attending different universities so they haven't seen each other that much in these three years.

Peak (Fuse) carried the series with very good acting, showing lots of emotion and crying real tears in just about every episode. Boom (Tee) was subdued pretty much all the time. At one point, we hear him speaking to his mother on the phone and, from what we can gather, Tee's mother is against his relationship with Fuse, with Fuse overhearing Tee's side of the conversation. Unfortunately, we get nothing from Tee regarding his own feelings... there's just an unspoken resolve that Fuse will break up with Tee, so that they can both get on with their lives.

In the last episode, Fuse tearfully says goodbye to Tee, but Tee stops Fuse from leaving. Tee calls his mom and says that he will stay together with Fuse and that's that. The series ends with video messages from many of the former Make It Right cast members congratulating Fuse and Tee.

The story was not well written. Sure, we can all understand the issues that young gay men often go through with their families, but it wasn't addressed at all.

Lukmo and Ess showed up to provide some levity (I'm not even sure why Ess was there), but their presence fell flat... the scenes with them felt awkward and forced. The very few attempts at comedy (Fuse/Tee shaving in the bathroom; a couple of fun moments with their friends) weren't enough to save the overall depressing feeling of the series. The video messages with the former MIR cast members did help to provide a somewhat satisfactory ending.

There is nothing wrong with presenting a drama here but, if that's what they the producers were going for, it just wasn't good enough. Too bad, because Fuse/Tee are a decent enough couple. Both actors deserved better, especially Peak (Fuse).

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A Heartfelt Journey Through Youth and Growth ?

“Lighter and Princess” (2022)unfolds as a beautifully crafted Chinese drama that begins with the familiar setting of a college campus drama—a world where dreams and youthful romance collide. Yet, this 36-episode series evolves into something far more profound, delving into the complex terrain of human struggle and personal growth.

Plot and Themes ✨:

Initially, 'Lighter and Princess' captures the light-hearted charm of youth, with its vibrant characters and their pursuit of dreams. But as the story progresses, it reveals a richer, darker undercurrent—a narrative that doesn't shy away from the rough edges of life. The drama is divided into two well-paced segments, each marked by impeccable cinematography and a soundtrack that perfectly complements its emotional beats.

At its core, the story is about the imperfections and struggles of its characters, which ultimately make them memorable. The journey of Li Xun (Chen FeiYu), Zhu Yun (Zhang JingYi), and Gao JianHong (Zhao ZhiWei) is a reflection of our own human quest to navigate flaws, seek redemption, and strive for personal growth.

Reflections and Insights 💭📚:

Watching this drama brought to mind Mitch Albom's memoir, *Tuesdays with Morrie*. The recurring theme, "What’s wrong with being number two?" resonates throughout the series, particularly through Gao JianHong's journey. The drama explores why we chase after being the best and questions whether this pursuit is truly fulfilling.

In essence, the series suggests that personal growth is not about outshining others but about surpassing our past selves. It’s a journey of self-improvement and understanding what truly matters to us, rather than merely striving for external validation.

Characters and Development 🌟❤️:

- Li Xun: An introverted genius who struggles with loneliness and a desire to make a difference in the world. His character's evolution—from a solitary coder to a loving partner—highlights the complexities of balancing personal pain and relationships.

-Zhu Yun: The supportive and rebellious friend who learns to assert her independence. Her growth reflects the struggle of balancing personal dreams against societal expectations and familial control.

- Gao JianHong: The rival who battles envy and personal insecurities. His story is a powerful reminder of how destructive jealousy can be, and how true victory lies in personal self-acceptance and growth.

Acting and Cast 🎭🌟:

The performances are exceptional. Chen FeiYu and Zhang JingYi embody their roles with such depth and authenticity that their chemistry is palpable. Each emotion, from joy to sorrow, feels genuine and compelling, drawing viewers deeply into their story.

Music and Cinematography 🎶📸:

The soundtrack of *Lighter and Princess* is a standout feature. The opening theme and the accompanying OSTs perfectly capture the emotional highs and lows of the drama. Combined with stunning cinematography, the music enhances the viewing experience, leaving a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts 🌟💬:

*Lighter and Princess
transcends the typical campus drama. It’s a poignant exploration of growing up, facing flaws, and the power of love. The addition of a cancer storyline in the final episodes serves as a powerful plot device, pushing characters to confront what truly matters in life.

In summary, this drama is more than just entertainment; it’s a profound reflection on life, growth, and the human condition. For anyone looking for a series that offers both emotional depth and insightful reflections, *Lighter and Princess* is a must-watch. It’s a gem that will stay with you long after the final episode ends.

Rating: 10/10 ⭐️

"May we all find the strength to love and be loved, and never forget what truly matters in our journey through life."

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An outstanding drama, that only better as the series progresses.

Before I begin my review, let me briefly summarize the plot. The story revolves around a girl named Nozomi, who was in an accident at the age of 10 and has been in a coma ever since. However, 25 years later, on her 35th birthday, she miraculously regains consciousness—only to realize that she is no longer 10, and the world is neither the same as it used to be nor how she had hoped it would be. She then embarks on a long journey toward adulthood with the help of her family and a childhood friend.

Although the time-travel trope itself is not unique, what truly makes this show stand out is how it handles the theme of "growing up." Unlike other similar dramas, this one isn’t cute or fluffy; instead, it is quite realistic. The main character first starts as a child trapped in the body of a 35-year-old, then progresses through the stages of adolescence—from middle school to high school—and finally transforms into a beautiful woman.

I also loved the portrayal of the family, the individual family members, and their relationships with one another. Unlike the typical families we’re used to seeing in dramas, this family is a bit different—they are imperfect, yet somehow perfect.

Lastly, can we take a moment to appreciate Shibasaki Ko’s incredible acting as Imamura Nozomi? What I admired most was how she nailed even the smallest hidden details, such as the way kids cry or the way they talk and refer to themselves in the third person. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role as well as she did. She was simply phenomenal.

Now, as we all know, nothing in this world is without its flaws. While there aren’t any major drawbacks in this drama, there are certainly a few scenes that could have been handled better. For example, I wasn’t a fan of how the mother’s character died. While her death wasn’t surprising, it did feel a bit abrupt. Additionally, I’m still not sure how I feel about Nozomi's job, Mana’s award, and Tatsuya’s job. Everything happened so quickly that the final 10 minutes felt somewhat unconvincing. It made it seem as if the directors rushed to give everyone a happy ending, which, in my view, wasn’t entirely necessary.

Aside from that, everything else was perfect—from the rest of the cast’s acting to the cinematography and even the OST. The OST of this series was probably the best I’ve ever heard in a J-drama. I don’t think I’ll be forgetting it anytime soon.

Finally, I would recommend this drama to anyone looking for something simple yet gripping, without any unnecessary cringe or exaggeration. Seriously, check it out—you won’t regret it.

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Overall, it's not an astounding drama, however, it's one of the best online dramas i can find these days. Love the drama, many thanks to the director, actors and actresses as well as the whole production crew, who work with devotion and expertise.
Alert: don't expect too much on the first half, this serial gets better as it progresses.
First half:
Plot:7,5
Actors: 9
Production: 8,5 ( great cinematography )

Second half
Plot: 8,75 ( getting better as the drama progresses)
Actors: 9 ( both on talent and appearance)
Production: 9( great angle, some tasteful cinematographically scenes that worth gif-making, good after effect, lovely and aesthetic background)

A special detail i want to add is that the loveline between XM and LF. It's not developed much but enough. It's cute and it adds different feelings along with the excitement of the film pace.

Some people complain about the OE , yet i love it, i don't want it to end so soon:(((.

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BETTER THAN PART 1! A GOOD REMAKE

As a huge La Casa De Papel fan, i was both anxious and excided to watch the remake. Part 1 was okay i have already write a review about it, but part 2 was phenomenal.

I actually believe that not only it was a great remake but if you compare it with the original it had better flow and depth, characters had better development, many things that the original did wrong the remake did right, the most important is that the characters were better written and the plot didnt had holes. I truly thing that if this one had come first, everyone would love it. Many think that a remake can never be good but this drama is the exeption.

The plot was the same but with added things that fix problems the original had, the relationship between the professor and the inspector and the romance between Tokyo and Rio etc. They included details that were very important after all and handle some things different. I dont want to spoil anything but i am glad they didnt keep some stuff same.

99% of the characters were better written and i liked them more, the 1% is the professor... I am sad that the only bad thing i could find is the professor, an icon og character that was ruined, i really dont know if the actor couldnt pull this off or if the og is to hard to imitated. Everyone else was amazing. One of the best things the remake did was adding Seoul, one of the best characters and badass af, i think some traits the original Tokyo had were given to Seoul. I am not going to write my thoughts on every character ( i have already write a review about part 1 that talks about characters and the north vs south plot).

I have to say this is a great remake and you should watch it regardless if you have watch the og or not.

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Superb movie!

I really love the movie, even more the second time I watched it. The acting was exquisite. The cinematography is gorgeous. I really like the play with the camera, how it sometimes goes from clear, distant third POV to a more intimate POV (like when we are left in the hallway at the parlor as some sort of driver in the getaway car). Kiritani’s downward spiral, the injustice around it, makes it a heart-wrenching watch on its own; the revelation later on is a kick to the feels. I was surprised by how thematically tight the movie is. Like many others, I was a bit disappointed by the ending, but after watching it again, I think I understand the ending better. With that said, I do hope there’s a creator’s commentary on the DVD where they explain some of their choices, with the ending being the center of it.

The movie was originally a manga, and overall they are very similar. Some changes, like the POV-change, were very well done and added to the narrative, in my opinion. For example, in the manga, we get a lot of the story from Kai through internal monologue whereas in the movie he is made a mystery to be figured out with lots of clues dropped along the way.

It seems like many people have watched the movie with little to no subs, and it’s a bit of a shame because you’ll miss out on a lot. There are a lot of clues and cues in the dialogue that pay off in the end and add to the angst and heartache. The importance of words and their meanings are even highlighted in the opening of the movie and then in the middle of it too.

It’s not a movie for everyone. It’s thematically dark with only glimmers of hope. The characters might not be to everyone’s taste either. But as I said, I love it, and will most likely watch it many more times.

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I wish I could smash the director's head with his chair

Did they even think of the author who worked his ass off for years to create this masterpiece. This is a total disrespects towards the author. He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment. You guys changed the core of the story now you ask why is the director the only one being hated not the author? Damn you're serious?? People should drop this altogether cause tkis was a unjustified adaption. Why use his work when you don't respect his work? Aside from the story the bad cgi,the freaking horrible acting, effortless action scene makes me wonder "WHERE DID THIS 30 BILLION KRW GO?" Of course it's in their pockets...Bro at this rate the police should arrest you for fund embezzelement

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I'm not disappointed with the series / the story but I'm very disappointed with the ending.

1. Twisted genre - first episodes are very funny. I was laughting so hard that my stomach hurted as hell. The last episodes were so sad. Seriouslly. I couldn't breath. I was choking on my tears.
AT FIRST I thought that it would be a great series since it was suppose to be a comedy. Unfortunantelly I got very dissapointed with the ending.
Just how could they do this ?! Why?! Oh, please... I really can't believe that producert had killed the main character - Just why?

2. Actors and acting... I fell in love in Kim (First) and Khem (Ohm). They vere amazing in their role. For a moment I thought that Kim was real and not just a character.
In reality I like this series a lot because it so colorful, playful, joyful, and it is a really nice comedy but... they ending is actually the worst they could ever make! The killed the main character! They killed the ship (this series was about that ship so why did they destroy it?)

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A drama with no saint, please bring your brain here

Someone said to me, "Sometimes you need to leave your brain to enjoy a kdrama, just watch and enjoy bro!" That 'sometimes' is NOT this drama. Please bring your brain, you need that. Also bring your empathy. You will enjoy this more with both.

It's a drama with a very well written plot. It makes you guessing, make theories, broke your theories, give surprise, bring you to a journey of storytelling that is so refreshing and trilling. You can shrink the story of this drama into a sentence that describe a common fated love story, but it really more than that. It tackled the emotional side of you, also the brainy nerdy side of you.

The characters are lovable, but not in the way it usually are. If you're searching for 'green flag', 'rainforest' kind of characters, you'll find none here. What we have are complex flawed human that bring their own painful past. No heroes, no saint, no Gandalf. But if you watch it with caution and empathy, you'll get attached to all of them at the end. One reason why all of them are lovable, because every single of them get a trope that somehow disregarded by a lot of kdrama watchers these days: 'character development'. And like every part of this drama. The development written so well. Sometimes it written subtly, but never sudden flip.

This is a drama with no filler. The plot is packed, quite fast paced, but not rushed. No characters is forgotten, even until the end. It is that well planned.

The visual from setting, costume, make up, camera works, colouring, cinematography in general are top notch. I know Sky Castle is director's highest rated works. But I believe this is his masterpiece. And the soundtracks... award worthy! It consist of generally 3 songs. But all of them bring this drama alive and emotional. The magic they have... that can change emotions with every scenes. The composer you are Jung Jae Hyung...

And I'm forever thankful for director Jo Hyun Taek to bring me to Chun Woo Hee. The greatest actress of her generation. All actors in this drama act so good. Jang Ki Yong expression is no joke, he becomes better and better in his art. Whole Bok family and scammer family are full of great actors, both senior and junior actors. But among them, Park So Yi shining here. This girl has bright future in acting industry. Ten years from now we will see this drama again and reminiscing it as one of her great work among many.

And the whole comment section of this drama is MVP. It's so fun reading theories, making theories, debunked, get trivia. It's so fun. It's really really fun watch it on going. I'll never experience that again but I'll rewatch this drama again and again. You always can get new things after every rewatch. 💯

Btw, my first 10/10 kdrama, welcome to the club kiddo.

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Sweet Mutual Crush to Mutual Love Story ?

OMG, okay, I just finished it and I am LITERALLY screaming! 😭💖 It is so cute, it gave me actual butterflies!
Here is why you HAVE to watch it, from a totally obsessed perspective:
• The "Long-Time Crush" Vibes: Ruan Yu (FL) is writing a novel based on her high school crush, and then—PLOT TWIST—she hires that same dude, Xu Huaisong (ML), to be her lawyer! It's that "I knew you when we were kids" energy but they are adults now! 👩‍❤️‍👨
• Miles Wei is TOO MUCH: Okay, I know dude is famous for being a "cold CEO," but here? He is so gentle and smart. The way he looks at her? 🫠 He is like a protective puppy, not just a boss.
(BTW, love love love Miles Wei! I swear dude is THE best for romantic ML roles 😭😭
• Hilarious Besties: The two best friend dudes are actually comedic genius. Their fast-talking banter in the background is the best part of some episodes, LOL. 🤣
• Visuals & Vibe: It’s super "fluffy" and lighthearted. Perfect for when you want a break from super dramatic stuff. Plus, the scenes with the "video call imagination" are actually pretty clever! 📱🎆
Cons? Ugh, the mid episodes dragged a bit with the "I’m not telling you I remember you" thing! I was literally shouting "JUST TELL HER!" at my screen! 😤 But it's worth it for the fluff later 💋😘
Overall Rating: 9/10 Butterflies 🦋—definitely watching again just for the cute scenes. Go watch it!!

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Unfortunately a failed gambit

Having not read the original novel that the drama is based on, I can judge based only on what I saw in watching this - and boy, was it a frustrating watch. There are elements of the story that could have been developed to become a truly trilling story, but the script decides to jump from plot to plot without respecting the characters, especially in the second half of the story. The best story line was between male lead Shen Zaiye, with a secret backstory and identity, and Mu Wuxia, the noble and upright 4th prince. If Mu Wuyin and Empress Lv's story were fleshed out more and the structure moved around a little, it probably would made for a more thrilling and compelling climax. But as it is presented, I feel nothing for Empress Lv, and Mu Wuyin is reduced to a strange, psychotic small-minded man.

The cast is certainly capable of better, and Liu Xueyi certainly does his best to make Shen Zaiye a living, breathing character. Unfortunately, there is not much to work with, and Meng Ziyi probably suffers more because the characterization of Jiang Taohua is very poorly done. The direction is also somewhat uninspired - lackluster action pieces and discordant music make this an overall unpalatable watch for those wanting a truly exciting political and romantic period piece. Still, the first half makes for a fun light watch, so if you are a fan of the any of the cast, it may still have something worth checking out.

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This drama caught my attention after watching Sweet 18. I remember myself sitting in front of the TV laughing out loud because of the convoluted situation a husband and wife was put through.

Yoon Hye Chan is a 29 year old woman who wants to divorce her husband, due to an accident she lost all her memories and reverted to her old self as an 18 year old. This is where all hell was let loose and where her husband’s real trouble began. Kang Sang-Young is an actor who’s trying to mend his relationship with his wife Hye Chan but was unable to when she was in her 29 year old self. Now that his wife had amnesia, he had to go all through those silly high school details so their love with each other would be rekindled… but wait! There’s more! He has to toughen himself up because his competitor this time is a young lad who is 18 years old and very much willing to help out the 29 year old Hye Chan in her 18 year old mind.

What I liked about this drama was the humor, the silliness the characters had to go through and the flashbacks. I loved the flashbacks because that’s where the main details are. It shows what happened in the past that depicts what exactly was happening in the present and as to why it was taking place. Another bonus to the flashbacks is the young actors who were portraying Hye Chan and Sang Young 18 year old self, both were really cute and an eye candy to watch.

Music wise, there nothing note worthy about it, basically it's just there to give emphasis on what's happening but other than that it just zips right through your brain. Though all in all this is still a drama I would definitely recommend.

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To maintain a 'watch-life balance', even thriller-suspense lover audience needs to watch light, refreshing drama like this one. I have seen several dramas on life of idols but this one felt different. This is because, even though the main story is the struggle of an idol group to regain their popularity after they face bashing for plagiarism, here the manager was in the focus, not the idols. Seo Eun Soo has pulled the role of a bit clumsy but determined manager perfectly. I liked different songs they have come up with in this drama also. As they have announced it would have another season, I don't have any complaint about the open ending. I felt the chemistry between the main leads is a bit clumsy but I think this might be intentional as this drama will have another season and the main leads probably will have more scope to show their chemistry. In a nutshell, enjoyed this drama thoroughly and will be waiting for the next season.

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