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Completed
The Forbidden Flower
15 people found this review helpful
Mar 1, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Everyone Needs a bit of Sexy in their Lives

How to begin this review? This drama wasn't on my radar at all until I saw the trailer and it stopped me in my tracks. Was this c-ent's version of 50 Shades? How were they going to make this possible? I was extremely curious; I'm totally unfamiliar with the entire cast save for the actor of Mr. Han who I saw last year in The Story of Xing Fu. Everything about this drama from the trailers gave off a totally different vibe than what I've previously seen in c-dramas. And for real, everyone does need a bit of sexy in their lives.

Pros: The Bohemian vibe, the rich color palette of the locations, just gave the series this extra richness and made every scene extremely alive as it awakened the senses to exotic surroundings and vibes. I never cared about the age gap as that's what the story is about and how the characters overcome to develop their own love story. The music was probably my favorite part of the series and that says something as usually OSTs are ok or good but not to the point where you want to hear them on repeat. Jerry Yan obviously has a very long and impressive résumé in both acting and music, here he knew when to be aloof, almost wooden and when to let his walls crumble and be taken over by emotion. The little nuisances that could be missed sometimes but were very important to viewers like the significance of the painting and the fact that he started out with a copy and ended up with the real thing.

I didn't understand the FL at first when she bailed on him twice when she started to relapse. In her mind, though she was sharp as a tack, she didn't want him to see her sick. She wanted him to see her happy and healthy. Though I don't understand the logic in it but I'll speak about it below. In her mind, she wanted to not present as weak for better or for worse. Because they focused so much on flowers, paintings, and animals; I'll use the latter as an example. Both cats and dogs do this, when they know they are in the last stages of their lives, they tend to leave their homes and owners, they just want to go on their own quietly. Of course as humans, we want to be there for them and say a proper goodbye. So in that sense, HR was like a cat running away so her human could remember her in her prime, while not really considering or understanding the human's or XH's need to be with her, nurture, and take care of her even when he had no idea what was going on. That's the best way I could describe how I felt about the two sets of breakups. Also though she broke up with him the second time, she still was ridiculously jealous of him even talking to another woman, which showed her internal tug of war with whether to tell him the truth or just keep pushing him away. Thankfully he solved that one for her.

The last two episodes, I think were very beautifully done. Though he had to put the puzzle pieces together himself and we don't actually know how much time passed between the gorgeous wedding he gave her in his hometown and her passing away in his arms in the snow. I'd like to think they had sometime together to live in between. I love how the mom smartened up and gave her blessing and finally just let go. The extra scene after the ending credits I think was his dream where they always meet in that field of his favorite flowers in front of the building he proposed in; it's forever their very special place. I know many people cried but to me death is just the next step that a soul takes in order to return home. And most importantly, she's now pain free and can come to XH in his dreams in the best of health. She's waiting for him now instead as before it was the opposite.

Their chemistry, for me didn't start right away. Though he claimed he already had feelings for her when they met, I didn't feel anything for real until their first intimate scene in Ep. 9. Even after, all the scenes, cut or not, I have to say that real love and the feeling of it came with the cut scene in 17 when he says the words. They cared for each other and the make out sessions were well placed, but it wasn't until he uttered the words himself that I understood, that he understood it himself. I put this in the pros instead of cons because I felt prior to that, it was more on a physical level of things; nothing wrong with that. And I liked the development of his understanding of his own feelings as it builds his character.

Other characters I liked were Mr. Han, Fatty, the hotel chick that was related to SML, I really liked SML, even HR's roommates. Not one person in the entire series made it an issue of the leads many differences and that was beyond refreshing. C-dramas are known to always point out differences like they're the plague and then create an entire show around how everyone has to learn to grow and accept them instead of just being like "yeah, so what?"

Cons: The secondary couple, they were definitely more of a filler as I never really felt from mom the same passion or longing as from SML. It seemed like he put all the effort into the relationship which even didn't quite feel completed at the end. Were they really necessary? This show didn't need to turn the original into an older woman/younger man thing just because that's a trope very frequently used. Should have left well enough alone.

Even though mom explained she suffered from insomnia and anxiety, her symptoms present as PTSD that induces the other two. I wish they explained that more as to the reason she was essentially the jailer of her own daughter in the beginning of the series. As someone who suffers from all three but for different reasons, if you're going to go with the diagnosis, at least do the proper research on it because what she was actually experiencing was totally different from her explanations. You've already got Leukemia in the picture, which I'm unsure they researched properly either, might as well be as realistic as possible.

I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of the FL in the beginning at all, though she pursued ML like to the point of almost stalking, she didn't even act 20 but more like a high schooler; the baby voice at times, pouting in others, the way she walked and the things she said, just didn't jive with this very smart woman we saw as the show progressed. I really wish this was one trope they could permanently get rid of in c-dramas.

Why was the character of Han Yu even there? That dude lived in his own world literally until the last episode. It was quite funny that even his uncle was like "I don't like him" because he was this narcissistic, annoying as nails spoiled, delusional brat. I never felt sorry for him, I just wanted him to go away. He added a layer to this series it didn't need. I'd rather have the cut scenes over his entire character.

Personally not a fan of characters hiding health conditions from their loved ones and going as far as breaking up. That second break up, I completely skipped over. Some people may agree and that's fine but I don't because I've got a plethora of health issues, one of which if it would relapse most likely then not lead me to seeing my guardian angels early, I would never keep something like that from someone. While I don't want them to suffer, I would want them to have that choice since I decided to make them a part of my life (this could mean significant other, family, or close friends). The fact that she eradicates that choice for him the second time around given their strong love, is something I do not and cannot agree with.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Despite the sad ending, it's a drama that you would most likely see in the west not in c-drama land. Give it a chance, it deserves it. You're basically watching a work of art so don't just look at the surface details, because inside are where the real flowers bloom.

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Completed
IRIS 2
15 people found this review helpful
Apr 20, 2013
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers
Once again I was totally captivated by Iris. I think that although there are some reminiscent scenes in this sequel, there is also a great continued story line. My only complaint (really since this isn't a romance, it isn't like I can complain that much) is that I didn't feel anything between Yoo Gun and Soo Yeon. Well, at least from her end. However, the rest is action packed and suspenseful. I really thought it was interesting that from some characters point of view, they thought they were doing what was right for their country no matter what the action. Then there is Iris motivated by power and greed. Of course, I could see the ending coming a mile away (as I'm sure most people will), but it was fun to watch it play out. I have tons to say, but we can't post spoilers...so...

When it comes to acting, I believe Jang Hyuk has a gift. I laughed with him and I cried with him. His personality change was believable. I was fully invested in his character as Yoo Gun. Kim Yeong Cheol did another excellent job as Baek San. At this point I can't decide if I love him or hate him. His character is truly on of those that show there are two sides to everyone. I gave the acting a 10 for those actors alone. Lee Bum Soo is no joke as Yoo Joong Won. I really had no clue what his character was about for a while. Oh Yun Soo as Choi Min was also good, but nothing special. I felt like she was just a way to keep Yoo Gun in the story line and then she was gone. Lee Da Hae as Soo Yeon left a lot to be desired in my opinion. I felt nothing for her character except when Yoo Gun was upset. I thought Im Soo Hyang as Yun Hwa was a heck of a lot better. I can't give away the ending, but if there is an Iris 3 and she is in it, then I'm totally watching it. I also thought that Doo Joon from B2ST and Lee Joon from MBLAQ were good. This is the first time I have seen them act and they didn't suck.

OH...and watching the outtakes made me think that a lot of these actors did their own action scenes and were hurt. It looked brutal to me. So props to all of them for that!!!

The music was pretty good. GO and Mir singing "Foolish Me" is a really good song that you should check out even if you don't watch this drama.

I might rewatch this sometime.

If you like action and suspense, then this is a drama that you should watch. :-)

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Completed
Boys II Planet
15 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

160 Boys Held Hostage by Bad Editing

This was the worst season of Produce-type show in Korea so far. NOT because of the trainees, but because everything else in this production failed them.

I will talk about trainees only very briefly: The boys were gorgeous, skilled, entertaining, talented, fun, charming, hardworking, good looking individuals and none of the criticism in this review is directed to them. This is not a hate-piece aimed at trainees. Congratulation to winners, good luck to trainees who didnt make it to the final group. Most of you are super awesome. Best of luck to aldi, this seems like a solid lineup.

1. Storylines
This is the SEVENTH korean iteration of Mnets hit reality show of Produce format. The name might be changed, some gimmicks were added, but this is still Produce 101. Except they attempted this to be seventh and EIGHTH season. That's the first and actually the last straw that broke the camels back.
There were supposed to be two shows, two debuting groups (one for Korea, one for China), but due to some reasons, it fell through and two shows were merged into one. Even before audience voting, the number of trainees had to be suddenly halved. This lead to instant elimination of "personality" (and future "storyline") trainees. What happens to your show, if you eliminate the rowdy, no-filter personality hires and leave in well-behaved, media-trained, talented guys, desperate to debut and play it safe? Seemingly you get boring show. Except based on after-show testimonials, the remaining trainees were not trying to play it only safe, it was all the BAD EDITING.

2. Editing and Production
Someone call Korean Academy of Film Arts and ask them if their courses on tv production and editing are still open cause people who worked on editing of this show really need some more tutoring. Horrendous. Disappointing. Boring. Inconsistent. Unnecessarily serious. Bad. Not viewer friendly.
I understand and emphatize with production team, as they had really hard task of carrying out this big show that was falling apart in their hands. They had to patch up together 2 shows into one, were being probably told to come up with something new, something that never happened in previous seasons, something fresh… but they just couldn't and so we got terrible show instead. None of the gimmicks, none of the "classes", none of the "plot twists" worked. I wonder if this is a result of pure incompetency on so many levels of production or if there is something deeper.

3. "Rigging"
It shocks me to say this, but looking back, i enjoyed the rigged/fixed seasons much more than this one. At least in that case, the votes were rigged but the need for character assasination and visual erasure of "unwanted" trainees (by mnet) by the means of editing was not that big. The way some extremely prominent and early-promoted trainees were not shown later even in moments of their excellence was frustrating. Not in the prefered lineup? No storytelling for you, even if you got set up for a story in the begining.
It feels like at least in "fixed seasons" the editors were handheld by final result and they could build around it. But in this season, we had to be pushed very hard to "the right direction". I know this is not a "documentary" and the integrity to telling the truth and all the context is not that .... important. But with 180+ minutes long episodes, you really could give us more without it looking like this was badly hidden promo for 5-10 trainees.

4. Styling + songs
Maybe this is more of a proof of the state of kpop genre, rather than this show, but long gone are the days of "To my word", "NEVER", "Boyness", "Rumor" - top tier original songs given to participants. The selection of songs - original or already existing was lackluster and mostly unispired. The styling has been the worst i remember - with the strong emphasis on the "killing part" and "his backdancers" (i swear it didnt use to be like this!!). The styling for final performances was embarassing and must be an act of sabotage.

5. FINAL WORDS
I am still flabbergasted by how mid the finale was. Until last second, i was 9 members truther. The fact that no such surprise happened only cemented my disappointment from this season. 8 members is so little for show with 160 participants. Too little for debut group from Mnets show that is guarranteed success. You COULD afford it, you have so much power but not decide to use it, smh.
I am also enraged by the fact that, in the end, chinese version of the show went through and cplanet trainees get round 2 of this rodeo. I find this so offensive to all the guys who had to be cut early from kplanet only for merge to happen. (but best of luck to all the cboys who decided to participate).
This show sucked, but i am still happy i got to witness these talented guys. I just wish they could shine more in a good show.

PS. I'm sorry, Kang Woojin, you deserved better :(

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Completed
Bloom Life
15 people found this review helpful
by JulesL
May 8, 2026
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
Bloom Life completely surprised me. I started it on a whim and found it to be charming and a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of drama that quietly pulls you in without needing exaggerated twists or manufactured tension. This is a slower-paced slice-of-life drama, perfectly suited for the kind of story it wants to tell.

At its core, this is a show about three women standing at crossroads in life — carrying old dreams, disappointments, responsibilities, and unresolved feelings as they try to figure out who they want to become. The drama tells their journeys so well, even with just 8 episodes.

The friendship between Xia Zi, Minawar, and Laili is the emotional backbone of the series. Their bond feels messy, but deeply genuine. There’s affection between them, but also distance, misunderstandings, envy, guilt, and years of growing into different versions of themselves. I especially loved the contrast between Xia Zi and Minawar: one left Kashgar searching for something bigger, while the other stayed behind longing for a different life entirely. In many ways, they each represent the life the other thinks she should have had.

And then there’s Laili, who often ends up holding everyone together while quietly carrying struggles of her own. I was honestly impressed by how vividly all three women were drawn in such a short time.

What I appreciate most is how grounded the writing feels. The conflicts are deeply personal rather than plot-heavy, but that never makes the story feel stagnant. Instead, the drama gives out a calm and healing vibe, allowing emotions, relationships, and everyday moments to draw the viewers in.

Visually, this drama is stunning. The cinematography deserves endless praise because every frame feels alive. The landscapes of Kashgar are filmed with such warmth and care that the setting becomes inseparable from the story itself. The series has that rare “travelogue” feeling where simply watching people exist within a place becomes emotionally immersive. Between the lighting, scenery, music, and pacing, the entire show feels incredibly atmospheric.

The acting is also phenomenal across the board. There are scenes that carry so much emotional weight with barely any dialogue at all. Xia Zi’s interactions with her grandmother especially hit me hard. The drama captures something very specific and relatable about returning home after struggling elsewhere — being surrounded by love and pride from the people who raised you, while simultaneously feeling crushed by the fear of disappointing them. It's the feeling of returning home after being away for too long — comforting, bittersweet, and quietly overwhelming all at once.

Another one of my favorite things about Bloom Life is the music. It adds so much soul to the drama. The soundtrack feels deeply rooted in the atmosphere of Kashgar, blending beautifully with the scenery and emotions of the story. There’s a softness and wistfulness to many of the pieces, like it’s carrying the memories and unspoken feelings of the characters.

I love the ending because it does not try to provide a happily ever after ending. These women are still searching for themselves, and the drama allows that uncertainty to exist without judgment. It’s reflective, healing, and quietly emotional in a way that lingered with me after the show ended.

This drama definitely won’t appeal to viewers looking for constant action or fast-moving plot twists. But if you enjoy character-driven slice-of-life stories with emotional depth, beautiful visuals, strong female relationships, and a deep sense of place and culture, Bloom Life is absolutely worth your time.

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Completed
To Sir, with Love
15 people found this review helpful
by Sengel Flower Award1
Dec 3, 2022
17 of 17 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

THE ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE BL WITH THE PLOT WE ALL WERE SECRETLY DREAMING OF

Let's start with the fact that I highly recommend to watch this drama to all BL fans because it's a gem of 2022 and probably the best BL of this year (sorry, KinnPorsche, I like you so much but this drama turned out even better). I wasn't going to watch Khun Chai because I thought it was a soapy opera without BL plot but just with the gay story (yeah, BL series and gay story are completely different). But I was curious about Film Thanapat who is a famous and popular actor and who had never played in BL before. So I started to watch and fell in love until the last episode!!! I can't explain how badly I waited for each episode, like a crazy! Let me explain why this series is such a masterpiece:
The plot. The most important thing in every series is the story itself! This plot is super interesting and intriguing; there were no boring episodes, none of boring minutes! Characters are well - written, unique and developed. The love story between Tian and Jiu is the story we haven't get for a long time in BL. Enough slow-burn, drama, sweet moments.. It looks like real love! Healthy love between two non-school boys, not students, it's so rare to have two grown up characters (even though they are about 21 y.o according to the plot). But this love is wonderful. It is risky, sweet, dangerous but still the purest love I've ever seen. We didn't have historical BLs before and this one is the first so we can see about forbidden relationships of two men in 1940, BUT it's not a tragedic tragedy! This is love which can stand any problems and survive. There is a great combination of the love story and plot. Jam and Film now is one of my favourite couples, their chemistry is out of the charts!! For me it's definitely the unique series and I added it to my favourites (which are only 6-7 among 100+ BLs I've watched) Just watch and enjoy the great love story!

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Completed
Bridal Mask
14 people found this review helpful
Oct 22, 2014
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
Holy fistpumping glory, this was even better than I expected it to be. This drama managed to fill 28 episodes with great character development, fantastic action and suspense. I was at the edge of my seat for a lot of it, and even the ending was satisfactory for me.

My Rating: 9.5

In Short: This drama was a really entertaining and suspenseful story of an unconventional hero. I thought after the first few episodes that Kang To was pretty much irredeemable, but the character development and acting was spot on for our complicated hero (and his equally complicated nemesis/bro).

Pros: Joo Won was a revelation in this. He really sold this complicated character and I look forward to seeing him in other things in the future. Also, the 30s is a very interesting era for a historical drama like this. I do not like sageuks very much, but this was right up my alley, with great sets and fabulous fashion.

Cons: Torture. Lots of torture. Some of this was hard to stomach. The female lead was a bit bland at times, but that fit the story well. I was also a bit apprehensive concerning the anti-japanese feel to the drama. Since I am not Korean, I do not carry a grudge against Japan, but I guess it can be compared to Germany in WWII, they sure are portrayed as evil in WWII movies, but I do not consider Germans today to be evil in any way.

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Completed
I Am Your Teacher
15 people found this review helpful
Dec 16, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Some funny moments. Light romance comedy. Silly at times, but it works here. Park Min Young's break out work, and it is easy to see why. She is the master of the side glances and wide eyed expressions. All the other characters are interesting too. I had trouble predicting who would end up with who, can you do better?
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Completed
Red Balloon
15 people found this review helpful
by tristram Flower Award1
Apr 13, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 4.5
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Wow, that was traumatic

Writing this quick review for my LGBTQ+ community because all the positive reviews did not prepare me at all. But like...this short series packs in an unnecessary amount of trauma and I wouldn't recommend it to other LGBTQ+ viewers unless they're up for that kind of thing. We've got gay bashing, run-of-the-mill homophobic school bullying (and authority figures failing to properly intervene because they are also homophobic), attempted suicide, a forced breakup due to the characters' sexuality not being acceptable to a parent, and a father literally pointing a gun at his gay son and threatening to kill him unless he agrees to marry a woman. There's a third character not involved with the main romance, Xu Yang, whose entire purpose in the story is to illustrate how much gay boys get bullied in school. He gets almost no characterization, and he's not even friends with the main boys (he's from a different class). Yet the story keeps cutting back to him so we can see how he's getting bullied and gay bashed now. Then he tries to commit suicide after reaching out for help to adults multiple times and getting ignored. The story thinks it gives him a happy ending, but even in the last scene we see him, the entire school laughs at him for dressing up as his favorite character (Sailor Moon). So that wasn't cathartic! Justice for Xu Yang!

And like, the romance isn't even worth all the trauma. The boys are great actors, but Xiang Wan kind of harasses Zhi Chen at times, and their only kiss is nonconsensual (with Zhi Chen trying to push Xiang Wan off him while Xiang Wan forces it. Zhi Chen does eventually give in, but that doesn't make Xiang Wan's actions okay.). After their forced breakup, they reunite after thirteen years and just ride off into the sunset together without talking much.

I feel like the show was trying to make a statement about how horrible homophobia is, but it went over the top without balancing the trauma with enough hope. Like, at least give poor Xu Yang scenes where we get to know what he's like as a person and not just a target for homophobes!

Also, I know not everyone is sensitive to this, but the story includes an arc about (high schooler) Xiang Wan getting out of a romantic relationship with his male teacher before he moves on to Zhi Chen, and the series doesn't portray the teacher/student relationship as predatory. If anything, it could be interpreted as portraying *Xiang Wan* as inappropriate for pursuing a married man, instead of acknowledging that his teacher is the one at fault for getting intimate with a minor in his care.

So like all around just not a lot of good vibes. Great acting and music though. Take care, y'all!

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Completed
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
15 people found this review helpful
Sep 3, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

My favourite show of all time!

I don’t even know where to begin with the series, I ADORE this series, it is my favourite K-Drama ever! From the minute I started the first episode to the end of this series.. it had hooked itself into my heart. The acting is some of the greatest I’ve seen, at times comedic but it shows the true character the actor is portraying. I love the different roles that each character plays and the dream team duo. It is one I have prayed for another series since! This series had me laughing and crying all at the same time, it had me feeling all emotions. It was a rollercoaster ride for sure, one I’d gladly go on time and time again. I’ve even managed to convert over friends to K-Dramas with this series ❤️ Goblin stole my heart and will definitely never be returning it to me

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Completed
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
15 people found this review helpful
Jul 24, 2025
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.5
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.5

It is so bad I wanna give you a 0. But that’s not possible, so i give you a 1.

Never direct again bro because what the hell is this? First it was the labubu bihyoung, then the guns, then now Kim Dokja’s entire character, trauma, motivations, what kept him ALIVE is ruined. There was much potential to make a good live action, but you decided to make this instead. A disappointment, soulless, Ai generated like script that you shove into our faces and think we’d like? The only people who give 10 stars are bots, kdrama fans and blinks. No sensible person who has read one chapter of orv would like this. Honestly I’m so glad that this is flopping. But thanks for ruining the story Kim Dokja loved, that WE loved. I hope you flop so badly that you don’t produce another trashy movie with ORV’s name on it. You’ve already ruined its reputation.

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Completed
Policeman and Me
15 people found this review helpful
by Senpai
Sep 20, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
Love that needs a little law and order ... A 26-year-old policeman commits himself to a 16-year-old girl, and his mother and father more or less follow it.
"Policeman and Me" ("P to JK") based on a manga sh?jo by Maki Miyoshi.
The film is therefore more inclined to romantic comedy than a serious drama about inadequate love for age, although Kota, his police hero played by pop idol Kazuya Kamenashi, is the soul of sincerity. And, as his teenage bride Kako happily observes.
There is more to the story than Kota's desire to ease his conscience and restore his male pride, but Nami Yoshikawa's script is short on explanations, at least initially. What is obvious, however, is Kako's delight in playing house with her husband in his house very large for a police officer's salary, although she swear the aforementioned friend to the deep and dark secret about the engagement.
Meanwhile, Kota behaves like a perfect gentleman with his teenage girlfriend. In their moments, they exchange little more than smiles and the occasional hug, initiated by a stunned Kako. However, this interlude of innocent happiness is short. Okami Mahiro Takasugi, the temperamental, blond-haired punk who accidentally put Kako in the emergency room, becomes Kota's nemesis, as well as his sickly friends.
In addition, the realities of being a wife to a guy often absent in a dangerous job begin to affect Kako's fantasy world. She gets jealous, fearful and dubious. Can Kota see her as another human being, rather than a burden he must protect? In other words, a good mellow movie but that could be perfect for a mature drama.

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Completed
JIN Season 2
15 people found this review helpful
Oct 15, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Jin was a Jdrama I have been rooting for until the second season came out. I was slightly disappointed with how things ended, maybe it's me or rather the romantic side of me got ahead and decided this drama would not be listed as one of my favorite watch of all time.

Setting that aside though, I still enjoyed Jin 2 in all it's glorious details about the Tokugawa-Shogunate era in Edo. I loved the cinematography and the actors. These actors by the way aren't like the average newbies or jpop idols who could only pose on screen and look good. These actors are veterans who has a couple outstanding dramas and movies under their belts to boast of.

My favorite character would be Tachibana Saki acted by Ayase Haruka. What's so interesting about her character is the fact that she's the only female doctor who has chosen her own path, away from a samurai clan. This being said, women with strong aspirations in life gives lasting impressions.

Music wise, the drama had a good OST. The ballad on every dramatic scene was in perfect sync and feel. I also like the theme song Itoshiki Hibiyo by Hirai Ken, it felt like every time I would hear it, I would feel Minakata Jin's internal turmoil.

I may not watch this again, but I would highly recommend it to people who like Japanese History and is into sci-fi-medical drama and all the likes.

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Completed
Why I Dress Up for Love
15 people found this review helpful
by desu
Jun 26, 2021
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

The drama that provided me the light I needed

Kikazaranai Koi niha Riyuu ga Atte picked me up when I was at the lowest point of my life not only because of its:
1.chemistry between leads and co-stars
2. wholesomeness
3. delicious food
4.fashion
5. picturesque backdrop

but most especially with its dialogues/conversations (not too long even) that are very much applicable to real life. My favorite line is "do your best". These only three words resonate well in reality that hearing them from someone makes me go on despite the challenges. There are a lot of relatable lines that you may discover each episode and more of it as you rewatch them again making its rewatch value a perfect 10.

Words are not simply enough/ I don't even know how to begin this review but one thing for sure, this drama will remain in my heart forever.

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Completed
The Legend of Shen Li
15 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2024
39 of 39 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

10

The best drama I have watched in a while. After watching many dramas, I was missing the magical spark, which made me fall in love with watching dramas.

Legend of Shen Li has an interesting start with a forbidden romance, strong FL, nice and graceful ML, cute side characters, quality music, action scenes and CGI. Occasionally the story feels like nothing is happening then boom, it gets interesting. Perhaps that's the only hindrance to not loving this.

The days I keep contemplating of dropping this show, it comes back with a banger episode that makes me swoon.
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Edit -

Loved the ending. So sweet. Worth the watch and the rewatch.

Things I liked
Shen Li's origin and her parents
Character Growth of Furong
Mofang's arc
Furong's Sister watching Furong's memories
The events leading to the wedding of Jin
Mortal realm scenes
Painting formation
ShenLi as Cluck Cluck

Things I didn't like
CGI fights though good were not my cup of tea

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Completed
Taboo
15 people found this review helpful
Aug 2, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
I think most people are looking at the movie from a single perspective. Who loved whom was never really the issue; the movie is overflowing with modernistic themes (as many have already noted) and self-criticism is at the focus of the story.

One of the most noticeable indicators is how the Shinsen-gumi uniforms were completely off, as the Shinsen militia was famously known for their white-and-blue uniforms. Thus not including them in the movie was no mistake on the director's part. Another indicator is how we never really find out much about Kano's motives or his past and how inconclusive the ending is.

In fact, the whole movie is up for interpretation and not even watching it twice (which I did) would enable the audience to fully make sense of the events that happen throughout. In that sense, the movie tries too hard to be artistic or to transcend the setting and the time period into more abstract ideas and criticism pertaining to the modern Japanese society. What results is a messy string of scenes with characters we do not understand but somehow serve the director, Oshima's, overarching purpose.

The events could have been set in modern Japan for all we care and the story would have retained its flavor and may have even fared better (since the characters tote some very modern concepts of sexuality). That kind of flexibility is not necessarily so bad when the director is trying to get a certain message across, but the problem is when the characters are so simply caricatured.

In the end, I'm left with more questions than answers and I have no idea what I just watched. Is it art, a daring work that tackles eroticism? Is it a criticism of taboos (especially of the homosexual variety)? I don't know what 'Gohatto' is and I only have an inkling of an idea as to what it was supposed to stand for. Apparently, Oshima is no beginner when it comes to expressing what is, by society norms, considered taboo. Perhaps 'Gohatto' was yet another exploration of that taboo, which proved to be his last.

Back in December 1999, 'Gohatto' was a complete commercial success, but I wonder how many of the millions that flocked to see it left the cinema theaters with at least a basic understanding of what they've just seen.

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