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Secret of Three Kingdoms
17 people found this review helpful
Jun 19, 2018
54 of 54 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Never expected that i will be hooked with this drama.

I dont recognised the actors well. I never knew Ma Tian Yu and Wan Qian before.

So, they arent my bias

I came to watch because they deserve to be watched!

First drama that i never skip even one single scene.
Love the leading couple and love the antagonist cast, too.
Everything went as purposely.

No dragging story eventhough it has 54 episodes. Love the plot and its pace.

Love the opening and the ending music plus song. They dont put any scene for opening instead of picture with black and white colour. So does for ending. They put picture of the cast. And it made the drama looked elegant.

This is drama that i watch raw and subs and rewatch before it come to an end.

Drama that will be kept in my memory.

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Completed
To Love, to Heal
17 people found this review helpful
May 22, 2018
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This is a light hearted romantic comedy you could say. I had a smile most of the time between episodes 20-32 i think. Mainly due to the lead actorJiang chao who has a good flair for comedy and excels in the role of a nerdy CEO who is less strong physically compared to the female Kendo Master Shui Guang. Their interactions, his little younger brother a student of kendo, his mother and colleagues all bring comic elements to balance the very serious female lead.
The pace is a bit slow and story is told in a very leisurely way.

The plus side and take aways from the drama would be

1. No really horrible villains / evil mother in law trying to separate the lead couple- even the girl Yuri pursuing Zheng Lan and the guy protecting Shui Guang are shown with lot of character and fair spirit
2. The CEOs character is mature and he handles issues both at work and personal life with great amount of perseverance. I like to learn such things that a good leader cannot be impulsive and have lot of ego but must treat his employees with trust and kindness. I liked how the writer /director portrayed that this character accepts that their mother leaves him and young brother to go abroad (the reason is explained in later episodes and how she redeems herself by helping her sons boyfriend to overcome her own tendency to escape from reality) and despite this comes across as a sane and balanced guy.
3. All the characters redeem themselves in the end. They prove that love, understanding and patience/ kindness help in bringing back people together
(I believe we all become what we constantly watch so watching good things will influence us to make us better people- as watching hatred revenge etc make for interesting watch but they do not make us better human beings- sorry for the preachy tone...this is a reminder to myself)
4. The guy never gives up on the girl or his love - he makes up his mind and does not let others influence him unlike other dramas which create stupid misunderstandings. And the way Yuri accepts that she is rejected is nice and refreshing. She is very cute and along with Luo Zhi make a nice pair

The negatives the lead actress's acting is a bit wooden - yes her character is supposed to be that way but the liveliness and expressions after she falls in love could have been portrayed much better. The main reason why the lead girl is blamed for her ex-boyfriends death is too thin and doesnot warrant such a heavy reaction. The accident is nothing so ghastly as they make it out to be and the scenes are repeated a lot

The episodes from 32+ etc is a bit draggy and i ran through them as it was just fluff - could have ended by 30 i think. Some characters such as the policeman and his girl in coma are shown with lot of promise but end very thinly.

But overall go for it if you are in a mood (and a lot of time 45 mins of 40 episodes) for a light romantic flick with some techie background.

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Completed
The King of the Desert
17 people found this review helpful
by Kate Flower Award1
Dec 26, 2022
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

"But there must be a reason behind it all"

"Do you want me to teach you how to be good at work? Don't ask yourself: Why?''. I think this whole show was a commentary on how we stay in the well known patterns, even if they are not productive, simply because things have always been this way or they bring us monetary gratification. But why do we even care so much about money? Because this is what society tells us is important. A vicious circle of bullshit.

Trying to suggest change is scary, and since everyone accepts the current state, it means it's working so why would anyone even try to challenge it? Everyone cannot be wrong, it's more likely I don't understand why it's like that. Stuff like the Milgram experiment or Asch Conformity Experiment explain it well. Both good examples how awful people are at going against:
1. Authority
2. Groups of people.

And if you add actual reward (money) for the conformity, people will do a great type of mental gymnastics to justify the current state.

Like drawing the circles, then erasing them and doing the same with x, just because the boss said you have to do it. I'm sure many of us did things we knew were pointless, but they were orders we just had to do. You can think you are not part of the problem, but you most likely are. Not to the same extent as the characters in the show, since everything was over exaggerated, but as long as we participate in the society, we do stupid things for the sake of some kind of benefit - money, popularity, recognition from strangers. But why do we care?

Each episode presents us with different takes on what one can sacrifice for money: pride, self-esteem, time, family, morality. It also shows what we truly want - connection, love, freedom, a feeling of belonging, self-worth.

The show opens with the best episode, so keep that in mind. On one hand it sets up the story well, but it also makes the remaining episode have less impact. Each short story is connected to each other, even though they changed the main character. Personally, my favorite episodes were “Dancing on the sand” and “Family Vacation”. Both had strong messages that resonated with me and my experience.

The production and the acting were phenomenal. Truly would not change a detail. The short duration of the episodes (most were a bit over 20 minutes) made the show more digestible and left some room for interpretation and reflection for the viewers. I feel like depending on your own life experience, perspective and expectations, you will see something else in each and every story.

Overall, great watch, but not for everyone. It’s weird and symbolic. While on the surface the overall message is easy to understand, there is far more than “what people will do for money” if you start digging deeper. It’s also an impactful watch if you are willing to reflect on how the messages fit into how you are handling your life.

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Completed
Last Twilight
17 people found this review helpful
by LiN
Nov 26, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

Last Doubts Vanished: One of THE most meaningful LGBTQIA+ series

A mindful spirit, braveness, and an open mind are what it takes to possess the power to produce something meaningful. GMMTV has again gifted us with another meaningful, heart-wrenching, and impressive series called "Last Twilight".

The story, which evolves around the disability to see efficiently, dealing with heavy burdens like the suicide of a loved one and being reliant on others, is well-written and paced. Both Mohk and Day are realistically flawed characters and are also portrayed as such. I´m convinced this is one of the best series in the genre of LGBTQ+ in Southeast Asia to be released in 2023 and 2024.

STORY 9.0 >> 9.5
As I have already mentioned at the beginning of this review, the innovation and braveness to portray a story that evolves around disability - which shouldn´t be left out of the film industry as it is part of our world and nothing to be ashamed of or shushed about - has pleasingly surprised me. The issues that come with disabled eyesight are not coming too short and it doesn´t feel like the disability is only a tool for more views and attention, but honestly more as if GMMTV wants to raise awareness for and normalize the thematizing of disability in our lives, as well as showing what those affected by the suicide of a loved one go through. This series offers the possibility to reflect on our world and the entertainment industry, by raising awareness for both these crucial topics and also offering to witness a romance forming despite all the burdens faced by the main characters. Truly beautiful. Truly insightful. Truly inspiring.

I have never changed my opinion on the rating of the STORY to a better rating, UNTIL now. "Last Twilight" has convinced me to be one of the most time-worthy series out there to watch. I feel so blessed to be a witness to this tragic but beautifully written story between two young men trying to overcome this world's difficulties.

ACTING / CAST 8.5 >> 9.0
The chemistry between Jimmy and Sea is probably already well known among GMMTV viewers, but this series raises their bar even higher and makes me feel really happy and warm inside. I wonder what they´re doing in their workshops etc. to create such a natural tension. In "Last Twilight" they have gone over and beyond many bars I have ever imagined to see in the next few years. I am so happy they came this far and immensely pleased by the performance.

What I also like about "Last Twilight" is that the side characters have also become more meaningful for the main story and are not separately dragged along. Especially since they don´t have "that side couple", but it´s focused on Day and Mhok. I´m very pleased to witness that this again proves that most series of GMMTV have improved their screenwriting, especially since I have been part of the journey for more than 6 or 7 years now.

MUSIC 7.0 >> 7.5
The music is usually what provides room for comic relief. With heavy topics as portrayed in this series, it´s unavoidable to provide uplift, as it can also help deliver a more meaningful picture of what it is like to live with a disability where life will most likely also have a shift of positive and negative events and feelings, as we are all are feeling humans after all.

OVERALL 8.5
Masterpiece. Over n´ out!

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Completed
Coffee Prince
16 people found this review helpful
May 5, 2012
17 of 17 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I can't nit pick anything about this drama that I don't like. And I've tried. Its beautifully directed, the actors are perfect for their parts (yoon eun hye is believable as a boy, not to mention awesome passionate acting from everyone), the sets and cinematography are wonderful (I swear it raised the tourism in Korea), the music is just great and unique (it doesn't reuse songs like the usual hyped up dramas), and it feels FRESH.

That's my word for it...FRESH. It feels GOOD to watch it and I can't really say that for any other drama other than It Started with a Kiss.

Coffee Prince is probably the best drama I've seen. Ever.

I've had the very unfortunate experience for it to be one of the first dramas I've ever watched, so since then all the ones I've watched after was crap. It seriously raised my standards.

The rewatch value is VERY high. I've seen it so many times now (this site should have a # times watched option!) maybe about 4 or 5. I will probably make it an every year or second year thing. Even my very white-washed brother and skeptical mother watched and enjoyed it. Yeah it can be a family thing too.

The storyline was great and I felt like every single scene was important. When you watch it its like you're so engrossed in what's happening you don't even notice that time is passing. The story was so good that I was surprised it wasn't a book to begin with. I think its best to watch in your late teen - 20s years, when you can really empathize with the characters after all the heart breaks. It helps you move on and has good morals.

If you want to watch something inspirational, creative, fresh, heart warming, heart wrenching, sometimes tear inducing, beautiful, hilariously funny, wholesome and passionate drama/comedy, then watch it. It makes you laugh, cry, sympathize, fall in love, be inspired, and just plain happy. Its a MUST SEE.

p.s.
If you're sick and tired of the lame "peck on the cheek" kiss scenes (usually at the end) that you see in soooo many dramas, then see this. Passionate acting and kissing. This drama satisfies everything that you don't get in all the other dramas.

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Completed
Ending Again
17 people found this review helpful
by ownes
Apr 5, 2020
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Ending Again is, much alike XX, a more adult/serious themed drama than those that Playlist usually opts to produce, going as far as to carry out a controversial (my opinion, based on both of their motives) fake marriage story.

Although the clear intention of wanting to showcase something emotional and deep, a story that perhaps adults can relate to more was there, personally, this drama came off as vague. It lacked Playlist's usual "sparkle", that element of endearment that leaves you sad that the series is over, that makes you want more, that leaves you... attached.

The characters (all very gorgeous) had empty-like personalities, built around in a very basic way around the relationships each of them carried out. It seems that to be more mature, the writers sacrificed their characters, making them one dimensional. The story was okay, put as dramatic as they could in 12 episodes, and the performances, especially Soo Min's, were great, although I did wish that Geon Won wasn't pouting 90% of the time.

One thing I must praise is the choice of osts (sung by Rothy and Park Won) and the incredible quality of their filming. It helped paint and shape the scenes a lot more. The art within the drama was also beautiful.

Overall, Ending Again isn't exactly bad, but for someone that has seen many dramas from the same team, it's a bit disappointing.

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Completed
Drive My Car
17 people found this review helpful
Feb 9, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A beautiful three hour long journey ride

Hamaguchi Ryusuke released two amazing films in 2021, Fortune and Fantasy and Drive My Car. I have to say this, Drive My Car is such a beautiful movie. Please watch "Drive My Car" (2021) it's a three hours long movie, it takes you on a beautiful ride. The screenplay of this movie is so well written. I am so happy this movie got nominated for OSCARS. Drive my Car is the best first Japanese movie to be nominated for the BEST PICTURE. I am so happy! In fact, there is another movie by Hamaguchi Ryusuke you must watch, that is "Happy Hour".
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Completed
A Moment but Forever
17 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2025
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

It's not the stereotypical xianxia. (There's something a little different to see.)

I really appreciated Liu Xueyi (real voice/ not dubbed) in the play and wanted to hear whether Tiffany Tang 's original lines/ real voices (not dubbed) were suitable for ancient costumes, so I clicked on it.

Unexpectedly, this Xianxia is a real Xianxia, not an ancient puppet Xianxia!! It's not a baby fairy!! It is an immortal who cultivates and becomes an immortal and has real skills!!

Do you know that the beginning is not a chance encounter when you were a child, several lives and several lifetimes, not a master and apprentice, as soon as you start, you will introduce the bond between the goddess and the Great Fox Priest Yuan Zhong, and then cut directly to the encounter between the male and female protagonists, and start telling the story refreshingly?

It has always been criticized as an "elderly fairy", but their setting is very suitable, how can the fox and the goddess be young, not impetuous characters, stable, tenacious and smart Ji Tanyin and Yuan Zhong should be played by Tang Yan and Liu Xueyi.

Needless to say, Liu Xueyi's original lines and acting skills have been played by him, and he finally played a fox once, cunning is his comfort zone, and one person in prison plays multiple roles for him!

I didn't expect Tiffany 's original voice to be very suitable for Xianxia, not a play at all, so many ancient puppets should have used their own voices before, and I can understand Tang Yan's "female power" in Ji Tanyin, the goddess loves the world and has a skill, no one wants to miss such a role.

This drama was really harmed by the preview and announcement of iQiyi's editing, and they owe 1000 popularity to "Nian Wushuang"(A moment but forever); Chen Tongxun (stilist) was ridiculed for this drama, and he also owed "Nian Wushuang" (A moment but forever) 1000 popularity; The post-production special effects also owe "Nian Wushuang" (A moment but forever) 1000 heat!

Please click on it! Don't miss out on the True Fairy !!
https://m.weibo.cn/status/5150404258305554
_________________________________________________________________________________________
When the protagonist falls into the lake, We subconsciously thinks that they are going to kiss and cross the air; The protagonist is frightened and subconsciously thinks that they will crash into each other's arms; The protagonist is injured by the other party, and subconsciously thinks that they are going to start complaining to each other; When none of these subconscious appeared in Nian Wushuang (A moment but forever), I actually found that my Xianxia drama watching thinking has been stereotyped by routines over the years, so the different freshness of this Nian Wushuang (A moment but forever) is also very attractive to me.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5150435888070766
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
--------The plot synopsis highly recommended in "A moment but forever" is as follows: Episodes 1 and 2, Xianxia films, Episodes 3 and 4, horror films, Episodes 5 and 6, political intrigue films, Episodes 7 and 8, comedy films, Episode 9, public welfare films, Episode 10, science and technology films, Episode 11, weather warning films, Episode 12, emotional films, Episodes 13 and 14, locked room films, ... To be continued
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This drama has a bit of realism. How many "terrible" things happen in this world. Really terrible, because someone was mistreated. The person can turn into something else (which depends on inner strength not to turn to the other side, to evil in fact. We see this every day in this world.). The drama was completely understandable and justifiable in showing this troubled character who was about to lose himself, but didn't. (like the phrase in the trailer: "One thought you become a demon, one thought you become a god").
"and I hope that the "Left Hand of God" will also bring you sincerity, kindness, and the courage to love and be loved, and the "power of the source" to dare to look directly into the darkness without falling into it.- (Liu Xue Yi- actor)"https://m.weibo.cn/status/5155411955292303
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In this drama, Fl seemed like a goddess in the best sense of the word, something I hadn't seen in any drama until now. The power of compassion, and the power to positively intervene in the lives of humans (using the power of his heart and her magical powers in various nuances of her power, artisanal power, power to interfere with time, power to enter the stages of his consciousness. Power to heal him, giving him part of her power, power to fight her enemy and run away. Power to even exist a little longer after breaking the 3 oaths. Determined, capable of facing the council of gods and choosing to save instead of destroy. Choosing to even stop being a goddess (but still having the power to save and fight for those she wanted to save).
The Ml lead was also almost a god. What's the problem??? He received the divine hand created by the goddess Tan Yin and the left hand chose him. (What's the problem? Both were valued in this drama. The man and the woman, the main couple.
But some people think that in order to value the female lead, it is necessary to demean and destroy the male lead. The male lead in this drama endured a lot of humiliation, his journey was one of redemption, he needed a character, the first character in these dramas who truly has the characteristics of a goddess, to help him get out of the pit. Both had their journey (in the best sense of a plot telling a story). Without demeaning or destroying the male lead, valuing him. Without demeaning the female lead, but with each episode reinforcing her characteristics of a true goddess. And the most logical thing in the end was for him, YZ, to become a god too. As a line in the trailer said by JTY: “I am the moon, you are the sun, forever together in the sky.” And she taught him to love people and fight to save, and never to destroy, despite being mistreated by these same people. (I have never seen a character seem so much like a goddess as this one.)

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Completed
Love Rain
17 people found this review helpful
Apr 18, 2013
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This is one of the best korean tv series I've ever watched. Another 'masterpiece' of JGS. I enjoyed every episode watching wonderful and relaxing scenarios with very romantic soundtracks playing' around. The main casts Jang Geun Suk and Im Yoona had a very sweet and cute chemistry that made me wanna watch this all over again. They acted naturally and looks comfortable with each other. This drama lets me wanting more about asian tv series/movies most especially JGS. I will never get bored watching this drama again and again because there is something in here that makes my day right. I'm just loving it so much.

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Completed
Let's Eat
17 people found this review helpful
Mar 16, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This drama was the biggest surprise for me as far as i am here, in dramaland. Surprise, in a very good way. :)

When i first saw the promos, read the title and the plot, i was like „Hm, okay, another drama about a restaurant/cooking/food…” Not my favourite theme (actually one of the last i like to watch), so it didn’t moved me at all.
And one day, when i was out of new episodes,and this drama was in its middle, i decided to give it a try… and I didn’t regret my choice at all.

1)... STORY ................................
This drama is fresh and crunchy like a really good salad. :)
If you (like me) expect a quite boring story with a lot of delicious food - you are half right. Because THERE ARE a lot of delicious food. :D
But the story was not boring for me at all. It was probably thanks to the kind of mysterious crime-plot, because the producers made it very interesting and it keeps your curiosity from episode to episode.

Okay, now let’s talk about the eating scenes, because OH HOLY GOD OF ALL DIETS… these are perfect crimes.
Are you not hungry when you start to watch it? You will.
Are not there any food near to you while watching it? There will be.
Are you not the truly fan od korean dishes now? You will.
Be prepared, i awared you. :)

The only "bad point" for this drama (from me) is the "almost nothing" romance, which is evolving really slowly and when it's finally bloomed it is nothing special. In my opinion they didn't made the best of the couple(s). Also i couldn't feel too much chemistry between the leads.

2)... ACTING/CAST ................................
To be honest, there are a lot of new faces, whom i've never seen acting before. For example the four leads, so i didn't expect anything special, but i have to say that, i am quite amazed.
The main leads did a very good job, and played their character really well, especially the male ones.

I see a lot of potential at Yoon Doo Joon's acting skills, but favourite was Shim Hyung Tak (as Attorney Kim), he and his character made laughing and sad through the drama, and the progress of his character was noticeable and well acted.

There was something loveable in every character, so everybody find their favourite.


3)... MUSIC ........................................
Nothing memorable, but the music during the eating scenes can't be better. :)


4)... REWATCH ........................................
I am not the type of rewatcher, so probably i won't, but i will show some FOODPORN scenes to my friends from it.


5)... OVERALL .......................................
All in all, okay, this drama probably isn't a masterpiece, and it hasn't got really deep message, or something.
BUT, if you like the delightful ones, or just need some enjoyable, funny and delicious moments with a little of romantic seasoning, this drama is definitely for you and YOU WILL EAT IT WELL! :)

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Completed
Hospital Playlist
17 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Is it Worth Investing Time in ” Hospital Playlist”?

Yes, I am late to the party with only just having completed screenwriter Lee Woo Jung ( Reply series, Prison Playbook ) ‘s drama “ Hospital Playlist”. However with ”Hospital Playlist 2” now ( at the time of writing) being released on Netflix streaming services , I decided it was a good time to give the critically acclaimed and hit series a go.

Of course“ Hospital Playlist” isn’t without its more nuanced flaws. At times ” Hospital Playlist” struggled to step away from the medical show fusion genre scenario with the mundane setup of high drama, lighthearted comedy, “life vs death” consequences, and not every patient makes it through in order to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. (Additionally this provoked the evident problem of tedious pacing in the show also.) However, there’s a more poignant element similar to Friends in the mix, as the quintet are revealed to have a deep-rooted friendship with one another for more than two decades.

Whilst the first couple of episodes invest time within “ getting to know” our ensemble and present the fairly dynamic performances of our main cast, the following episodes explore an oddly balanced investment into the quintet jamming out in their band during their free time, backstories and the current ups and downs of life at the hospital also.

Arguably one of the major roles to talk about in the drama was the role of Jo Jung Suk as Ik Joon. As a single dad, Ik Joon could have easily been stereotyped as the cliched “ estranged father” or having a “ bitter” relationship with his son Woo Joo (Kim Jun) due to the bitter nature of his divorce from his wife , however, Ik Joon is refreshingly nothing but a kindhearted goofy dad, with a charm that easily wins over even his most stubborn of patients in the hospital . Arguably the potential “ love story” element in consideration to his unrequited feelings for Song Hwa ( without decisive spoilers) may leave viewers a little on edge by the unnecessary setup, however, surprisingly the later decisions of Ik Joon felt surprisingly natural for his character.

Following on from Ik Joon is evidently Jung Kyung Ho as Kim Jun Wan.
Despite his tough shell in front of the trainees and his peers , actor Kyung Ho seemed to pretty much nail Jun Wan’s archetype as the “ grizzly bear with a marshmallow heart”. Jun Wan is a harsh teacher at times, but a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon and truly cares for his patients ( even if it means making tough calls). In one particularly heartfelt scene of the series, Jun Wan adorns a terrible suit from Jae Hak (Jung Moon Sung), and attending the wedding of his patient’s daughter as his patient is unable to attend. His love story with Ik Soon ( Ik Joon’s sister) did undeniably start on a bit of an eccentric and uncomfortable setup but did become enjoyable ( especially with Jun Wan’s grouchiness at times) as the series progressed.

As the only female friend of the quintet and a single woman in her 40s Chae Song Hwa could’ve easily done down the more stereotypical route of being “ bitter” or “ pitiful”. However Song Hwa is refreshingly anything but these labels. A Charismatic, compassionate, intellectual and elegant character , its easy to see why actors Jo Jung Suk and Yoo Yeon Seok recommended theatre actress Jeon Mi Do for the role.Arguably whilst season two has given a potential opportunity to explore the landscape of Song Hwa’s mixed feelings for her respected love interests, season one undeniably often failed to truly sketch - out Song Hwa’s more profound complexity in her love life. (However room for a second season will hopefully delve into this issue more.)

Nevertheless arguably one of the most surprisingly heartwarming characters in the series was Kim Dae Myung’s role as Seok Hyung. Seemingly starting off the drama as the cliched and spoilt “ mama’s boy”, Dae Myung’s performance added surprising layers to Seok Kyung as a character with his complicated past and rationale as a medical professional . His potential love story with coworker Min Ah could’ve easily gone down several mundane routes, but his overall development and reactions rarely felt out of character.

On a weaker note, the final member of our quintet was Yoo Yeon Suk as Jeong Won. This isn’t to say that Yoo Yeon Suk’s performance was bad in any way. In fact the actor truly animated his onscreen persona to life with many endearing and likeable qualities. However Jeong Won was sadly a little less well-rounded. Whilst he had an intriguing storyline and a more complicated backstory than a lot of the other characters, but his later motives and personality assets often felt less profound. In addition to this whilst the show did seem to go down the evident route of his potential love story with Gyeo Wool in snippets, it often lacked the same charisma as the rest of the ensemble.

So is “ Hospital Playlist” worth watching? The show doesn’t entirely step upon new ground with its concept with certain characters and storylines felt slightly undeveloped ( although a sequel season will hopefully dismiss these issues) and snail pacing in parts also. On the other hand “ Hospital Playlist” has surprisingly profound and bittersweet themes with backstories and life in the hospital, as characters are often faced with realistically challenging issues which helped to provide food for thought. If you are willing to invest some time into this show, then you’ll absolutely love “ Hospital Playlist”.

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Completed
Old Fashion Cupcake
17 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2022
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Simple, mature yet cute romance

Completed - 7/4/2022

"Old Fashion Cupcake" is worthy of all its praises. What a delight to see a simple, realistic, mature romance blossoming in front of my eyes. We have a 29-year old who was inspired and encouraged to live life to the fullness and to love oneself so that there will be no regrets in his life. On the other hand, we have a 39-year who is so comfortable with everything in his life that he's afraid of changes, both personal or professional. Through the very delicious and "seductive" anti-aging process, the two got to hang out and get to know each other. Their interactions and conversations are comfortable and cute at the same time. It's quite refreshing to see two men having boys talk casually and openly.

The acting is good and not cringey. The two feel so natural together, as if they're made for each other. I can see the comparison to "Cherry Magic" as both are office BL romance. But I might actually like this romance more, as it feels more mature and honest in a way. I also prefer the dynamic between Nozue and Togawa, as it feels they are both on equal footing in this relationship. Togawa's emotional scene in episode 4 was well acted and the chemistry between the leads in the alley was sizzling. I was eagerly waiting for a passionate kiss!

There are no plot twists in this drama but that doesn't mean it's boring. Though "Old Fashion Cupcake" is really short, I am satisfied with these 5 episodes. Only Japanese dramas could have such good pacing without draggy unnecessary scenes.

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My True Friend
17 people found this review helpful
Jun 14, 2019
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Deng Lun is a Gem

I must say, I have enjoyed watching this drama. Not for its great plot nor fancy actors, but for something closer – home, what it takes to make a place we can call home. It takes a lot of love and sacrifices. It takes courage and patience.

Deng Lun’s acting is simply 10 out of 10; he is natural, funny and lovable. The character he plays as Shao Peng Chen, grows from an arrogant spoiled brat to a considerate and compassionate leader. His wits, kindness and empathy help him win many hearts, including the love of his life.

Another notable acting is by Li Xin Yi who plays the wily Hao Mei Li. She grows from someone who always undercuts her friends and co-workers to a reliable trusted friend whom everyone loves. Li Xin Yi pins the character to the spot. I really love watching her, though in the beginning I must admit I did roll my eyes whenever she appeared and talked.

There are no real bad characters from start to finish in this drama. The whole drama basically portrays a very real issue faced by many young people living in big cities in China, in particular, Shanghai, where property prices are beyond the reach of many families. As it is a tradition that most Chinese families demand ownership of properties, it has become a constant stress for the growing number of young people working in the cities. The pressure from both sides of the families for a young married couple to own a property is simply unimaginable.

Shao Peng Chen in this drama comes up with a solution in solving the pressing housing issue. It follows a popular affordable rent-to-own model, which has been trending in western countries with the decline of home ownership. His conviction and determination in achieving his goals play out as he picks up the pieces when he fails, and forever optimistic and hopeful, never letting his failures overshadow his judgement.

This drama brings love, friendship, family, trust, compassion, and hope. It is heart-warming and it leaves one with a feel-good sense. It is worthy of our viewing if even just for Deng Lun’s performance. I guarantee you, he would make you fall head-over-toe for him, if he hasn’t already.

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Completed
Prince Hours
16 people found this review helpful
Aug 21, 2011
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
First of all it was actually really hard to find links to watch this drama. I know that I missed out on a lot b/c of that reason. If u watch this don't expect the links on epdrama.com or dramacrazy.net to work all the time. The wat links don't even try b/c u will be disappointed.



Ok well now let me get down to bizness. I loved this story more than I did the 1st 1. This made more sense of how the characters came together. I really enjoyed watching the characters develop & the relationships. There was some good rock music that was played at different times throughout this drama. I might watch this again but it is not on my high priority list of rewatchable dramas. Even though this drama is slow to move through the story at times, it will keep u interested & wanting to know what is going to happen next. I think this is a drama that others will either just love or just hate, but u have to watch it to find out which group u will be in.



I personally think this would have been a much better drama if it was like a continuation of the 1st season. I think I would have understood the story a little more if the parents of the Dukes had been the cousins from the previous season, but it was still good the way it was.

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Ongoing 15/15
To My Shore
17 people found this review helpful
by Effie_Joon Finger Heart Award1 Flower Award1 Clap Clap Clap Award1 Emotional Bandage1 Reply Hugger1
Jan 1, 2026
15 of 15 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A rollercoaster of emotions

This is by far, my favoutite bl series of all time.
To My Shore is a series that really stuck with me like no other bl series ever did. Not because it made me feel good by watching it, but because it showed me something you don’t see very often. I saw two people who are so different, yet somehow share so much. And their common ground isn’t pretty, it’s pain, scars, and the walls they’ve built to survive.
What hit me the most is that both of them carry really heavy pasts. Each in their own way, but both have learned to live with their pain. One tries to control things so he won’t lose, the other endures so he won’t fall apart. And somewhere in the middle, they meet.
The love in this series isn’t healthy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s twisted, suffocating, full of dependence and fear. It’s a romance nothing like I’ve seen before, it’s not safe, not balanced. But it’s intense and real. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
I never felt like the series was telling me “this is right.” Instead, it showed me what happens when two wounded people try to love each other without having healed themselves first. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable, sometimes angry, sometimes just sad to the bone. But I couldn’t stop watching.
To My Shore isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who can handle seeing love without filters, without sugarcoating. For those who understand that love isn’t always salvation, sometimes it’s a mirror. And this mirror, in this series, shows things that stick with you long after it’s over.

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