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Nonsense romance (with a bit of illegal romance mixed in it)
So... As most people already said it: it started real good but it went down the drain real quick!First, I think that the fact that Kang's behaviour makes a complete u-turn without really good reasons was one of the reasons the series started to get bad from episode 3. But the thing that really upset me was when Kang was suddenly in love with his childhood friend, Pimfah. There were no previous signs of him liking her and it was so sudden that it felt so out of place. Contrary to some people, I wasn't really surprised that Pimfah was interested in Sailom because she's kind of shown signs a bit before (even though, those signs can easily be understood as just her being nice), but Kang's feelings for Pimfah were out of nowhere. Especially when he already showed signs of jealousy towards Sailom (but I was apparently wrong...). Then, Sailom confesses he likes Kang and Kang suddenly likes him? That was so freaking weird (also, I don't really like the fact that Sailom liked him before and just because he gave him an umbrella... I know he's young but still).
Second, I don't have anything against Chimon, I thought he played his part good in all the dramas I've watched with him but we can all agree that he's not good with romance. Everytime Kang and Sailom kissed, I was silently (or not) cringing in front of my screen and I pitied Perth for doing his best at carrying the romance scenes. Perth did all the job and he's one of the best thing that saved this drama from falling further down (even though his role was not the best - I mean, Kang that rejects Sailom for something that HIS BROTHER has supposedly done was pretty sh*tty of him).
Third, and I'll finish with that, GMMTV needs to stop romantising teachers with students!! It's the second time that happens in less than a year (last time was in The Eclipse). I sensed romance between Pimfah and Napdao as soon as Napdao appeared in the story and I really hoped I was wrong but no... they definitely made Pimfah having a crush on Napdao, which is not bad because I'm sure we all had a crush on one of our teachers when we were at school (I did) but what is bad is that Napdao is accepting those feelings and kind of reciprocating. And they tried to cover the whole thing at the end by making her say that she's not their teacher anymore but, I'm sorry, it's still very bad. And of course, like in The Eclipse, the teacher joins the student's trip. I hate that...
Anyway, watch if you want to watch, you're the only judge of what you like.
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This review may contain spoilers
Kimi ni Love Song wo is a beautiful lovestory with a message behind its first most noticed storyline. While it is a story about love, It also tells the story of the friendship of the band, Helping eachother out when its needed through difficult times. I will be writing a spoilerless review.Sungje is a singer for the band Supernova, However he has always had his flaws in his Japanese pronounciations. After unwillingly failing his song records many times, the song producers decides to put his songs on hold for now asking him to improve his Japanese. He takes a walk along the harbor and comes to meet a girl, This girl doesn't seem to see who he is however. Singing on a song by the korean band Supernova, He is unable to get the sentences to come out right causing the girl Saori to complete his song lyrics with perfect Japanese. Sungje quickly falls for the girl helping him out, And so he asks her a request of her learning him the right way to speak Japanese. She accepts on the condition that he will learn her korean aswell. His feelings develop for Saori while hiding behind somebody elses name, Determined to confess about his real identity. From here on starts a story of heartbreak, Friendship and romance for Sungje, However his happiness won't be one gained without struggling for it.
I found this movie to be really incredible. It had me laughing, crying and making me unable to refrain from smiling at some points. The movies soundtrack was amazing, Into the soundtrack there were original music from Supernova themselves fitting into the story without a doubt. Music was put into the right situations, No music I feel didn't belong in the movie. Great!.
Kimi ni Love Song wo is a story for all out there who are able to take watching romantic tearjerkers. While the storyline is unpredictive it only keeps the watch more amazing. Sung Je's first movie role, Couldn't have been performed any more perfectly.
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Interesting
This was certainly worth the watch. It was realistic and entertaining. The main characters were terrific. I must also compliment the female character. There were no over the top theatrics. It was short but managed to pack a lot into six short episodes. I can’t even be mad at the e ending. I wish there would be a season 2. If not I still was satisfied with the exploration into love and sexual identity. Introducing lesbian parents was a different addition. I think it was handled well. The music was okay. It did enhance the story. Overall I enjoyed watching.Was this review helpful to you?
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It’s okay
I watched the whole show and all I can say is that if you hate fat people and don’t understand privacy, this is the show for you.Some parts were cute I suppose, but seeing how such a huge chunk of their relationship was just him directly shaming and mocking her for her weight made me really uncomfortable. The way they put the female actresses in fat suits and even made them speak more childishly while they’re overweight was so weird too. Not to mention, the female lead wasn’t even that overweight? They just put a double chin on her and stuffed her pants and called it a day. I understand the message is to be healthy, and I absolutely agree with that, but in no way does that excuse the mockery of overweight people the way this drama did. No amount of playfulness or jokes or whatever can make it be an acceptable message in something of this level.
Plus, the portrayal of [a certain health syndrome] near the end was soo dramatic for no reason.... it’s one of the most common conditions in women and it’s very manageable. As someone who has it, watching that whole ordeal was laughable and I could not take it as seriously as you were supposed to.
There’s a lot that I’ll tolerate in kdramas for the sake of escapism or whatever but there should definitely be limits, especially considering how insulting so much of this was to a huge part of the audience.
HOWEVER, I really loved the cast. The leads had really good chemistry, and I’ve become a fan of their acting due to this show. If the way the main dilemma of the plot wasn’t handled in the way it was, this would have been one of my favourites.
I’m generally not a fan of Sung Hoon, but I really enjoyed his character in this show, and I hope he plays more roles like this in the future. This is also my first time seeing Henry act, and although I don’t know much about him, his bubbly character was delightful and one of the reasons I may go back to rewatch despite everything.
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Not your typical xianxia indeed.
I didn't expect this xianxia to be so different from the usual ones. I did see comments saying it was different, and that got me curious. The first episode got me hooked right away. Its mysterious vibe, portraying the leads as secretive characters, was very interesting. The ML is also a bit of a gray character, while the FL may be kind and empathetic, but she's no pushover. She is someone who has the most beautiful heart, yet the sharpest eyes and is someone who can definitely hold her own. ML, on the other hand, is cunning yet simple. I find the leads very interesting characters.Speaking of the leads, they were rather mature characters. The drama isn't filled with aggressive, passionate love, but rather trust and empathy. It's also about self discovery, and learning what it means to live and love. And this doesn't just apply to the leads, but even the supporting characters as well. The leading characters also required the actors to show more than speak. And because they were characters who gradually grew feelings for each other, but also keeping many secrets from each other at the same time, their dialogues were sometimes hidden with subtle messages and feelings. This was when the actors' skills really shone, because they portrayed them so well. It wasn't underwhelming or overdone.
I've seen people criticize the cast, saying that the actors are too old to be playing xianxia. But I feel so sorry for them having such a narrow vision. Just as dramas can revolved around people of all ages, why can't xianxia be the same? Plus, this story revolves around characters who have lived for quite a while. They're not some young blood, eager to prove themselves. They are beings who have gone through a lot. It only makes sense for more mature actors to be playing these roles. There may be younger actors who are good in acting, but portraying roles like the leads in this drama definitely require someone who has more experience and understands the layered emotions. I think Tang Yan and Liu Xue Yi were perfect for these two roles.
This drama has many fun and lovable supporting characters too. Besides the leads, they are also the ones who make the whole journey interesting. I really appreciate dramas that don't just focus entirely on the leads but also make use of the supporting characters to add flavors to the plot. One of the supporting characters that really stood out to me was definitely the war demon Qian Lin. He was a complex character as well, and I think went through the most character growth. The young actor also portrayed him really well, making him an easily likeable character.
Overall, this was a really great xianxia drama. It may be slow-paced, but it's very layered and filled with complex emotions. Yet, the intentions of the leads are very simple. They just want to have a simple, happy, peaceful life. It's true that this drama feels a bit like a slice-of-life xianxia drama. But it doesn't lack the angst from xianxia dramas. For the first three quarters, it's filled with mysteries and comedies. Serious conversations get thrown in once in a while to keep things real. And towards the final quarter, that's when the characters are forced to face reality and have to make a choice, and pay for the consequences of their actions. The romance wasn't burning with passion, but it's definitely one that many would wish for. It's more about giving you a sense of security, sticking to promises, understanding each other, and staying by their side no matter what. It's about choosing that person even though you could've done otherwise. This is why I find that their love is mature, because it's more about stability and trust rather than "who loves who most".
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The start was fine, the story is smooth and simple the characters are honest, straight forward and don’t run around the bushes, which is cool.
The male lead's personality is so sweet, and lovable, the girl was natural strong had her own ideas, wasn't stupid annoying or careless,The most annoying thing for me was that some crying scenes felt fake and forced [I said some not all of them]!, the second couple are so sweet I really liked them, I liked the end.
If you are looking for something light, simple, easy to watch straight forward, this is it, Enjoy :)
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Golden Journey...
Contrary to the summary that mistakenly reminds one of communist propaganda series, is a very light-hearted series about the life of train employees who live together in a small neighborhood and go through small and big adventures. From the meeting about the theft of Mr. Wu's chickens to solving the problem of buying eight Phoenix brand bicycles for Sai Xuan's wedding. We can see everyone and couples who get married in this neighborhood and their love story on television.This series has romance. The romance of the series is not much, but it is very charming and beautiful; But the most important and main point was Wang Xin's relationship with Makoi. A special student teacher relationship. Like a real father and son who go through many adventures together and learn many things from each other. We see how this old teacher guides his student and how he cares for the small and big people around him in his own way. Like the blind old man who was looking for his daughter or the shepherd who always waited at the station for Makoi to send him something.
You are going to live with this neighborhood. This series has all kinds of things in it. It never stops surprising you. Of course, in his own way. It's like riding a train for several years and living with its employees. It's like a train journey of several hours that you get off at the end of time and say goodbye...
The osts of the series are wonderful... especially the retirement speech of Sai Schwan, which made me cry at the same time as that ost played...
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A Drama That Rewards Patience
This drama has a high barrier to entry, and I think that’s exactly why it’s so divisive.It doesn’t constantly explain itself, and it expects the audience to infer a lot. Rather than spoon-feeding every answer, it gradually reveals the bigger picture through subtle details, conversations, and character interactions. If that storytelling style resonates with you, you’ll probably love it. If it doesn’t, you’ll likely wonder what all the praise is about.
One aspect I especially appreciated was how the drama portrays invisible emotional wounds. Some scars aren’t immediately visible, and the story explores this with surprising sensitivity and restraint. It reminded me that not every battle leaves a physical mark. Some of the deepest scars are the ones no one else can see, and healing is rarely linear.
It may not be the easiest drama to watch, and I understand why it isn’t for everyone. But for viewers who enjoy layered narratives, imperfect characters, and stories that reveal themselves over time, I think it’s absolutely worth watching.
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Zhao Qiao Yi is such a likeable and relatable character. Shes not special in any way. She's like any other girl who lives in your neighborhood. I absolutely loved her.
I don't think I have ever met anyone quiet like Yan Mo in real life. But he's just so adorable. Especially when he smiles. You'll see what I mean when you watch it. ????
The problems that they face throughout the show are the problems that each one of faces at some point in life.
This is such a beautiful story. The last episode honestly made me feel really lonely. But it also makes me hope that someday the things that I'm facing will also pass and I too will meet that one person who will understand and know me for who I am and love me anyway.
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Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island
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This review may contain spoilers
You Should Have Watched This Yesterday
There's been a lot of garbage dramas this year, but once in a while you stumble across a little gem, and it brightens your whole day. This drama was beautiful, I loved every single moment of it and wished it was longer. Yes, even moments with that in-betweener brother, who meant well, but acted like he sniffed glue on his spare time. On second thought, if I catch him!Listen, I wasn't even looking for this drama. I was scrolling my somewhere on tiktok when a video popped up and this sister was like, 'watch this, it's good.' Obviously, since most of what's currently airing is meh, I checked out the first episode and ended up benching the whole thing in one go. Sure, a story, a plot like this of love and pining and acceptance in our society isn't anything new, but the direction and execution of it made it worthwhile. Here's my quick review:
The main characters had great chemistry and made the show. I felt their longing behind the screen, all the words they couldn't say, and the stable touches and wants were so obvious it was painful. Kudos to them for making this short drama feel so complete. The side characters were also okay, though that brother needed to take a hike. I get that he was concerned and loved his brother, and in his own misguided way was looking out for him, but bro invented a whole arse girlfriend cuz he saw his friend with a girlfriend one time in freshmen year, really Susan, really?
I loved the few songs we got in this as well, the background music and the nature all added to how much I enjoyed this drama. Personally, I'm not a bug person and would probably complain to high heavens if I should spend a whole summer here, but everything was so beautiful, it made me fall in love with their love and wanted to go summer camping with a lover, bugs be damned.
No really, they were out there: fruit picking, sunset watching, running around the woods and by the rivers, swimming, drawing, bonfires, playing in the rain, awwwwww, my heart was full and it wasn't even my relationship. Yes, I'm sure we all felt that kiss when they finally got together, the yearning and the pining really paid off, so congratulations to them I guess. Us single people would be in the corner.
I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone who loves bl, it's worth your time, and it's short and amazing, give it a chance. No really, watch it. Wish to see more of the two leads in the future. This is obviously going straight to one of my favourite dramas this year. Now off to watch the special episodes to see them be more lovey dovey in front of my salad.
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What a beautiful short film!
I honestly have nothing but praise for this piece of work! Off and Gun’s performances were top notch as usual with their chemistry of the charts and the color scheme for the whole thing was so pretty and aesthetic.The film was centered around Off who meets Gun as an alien. Teaching Gun about Earth and the ways of humans, the two grew closer which may lead to other ventures. The time period was set in the 90s I would presume which allowed for the use of a pink/purple warmth in all scenes. It also subtly brings in the theme of bisexuality which I personally think is a nice little touch.
Off and Gun’s chemistry once again shocked me and I found their acting quite heartwarming. I honestly enjoyed this short piece and would for sure watch again later.
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This review may contain spoilers
First things first, it was a great choice making this a seven episode drama. In my opinion if this was 16 episodes, like some previous series like The guest and Save me, it would probably become a little boring halfway through and then it would be great again in the last few episodes.Secondly, this was a series that I was (im)patiently waiting for every week. I loved the story from the beginning with that dark vibe that OCN knows how to handle. I liked all the twists that the show had to offer and the acting was good (in my opinion at least).
Finally, the whole psychopathy thing made me shiver as I though all of the characters previous scenes, including his intense feeling about sadness and sorrow and the will to avenge for everything that he lost. Even though this is not the first time that that kind of twist has appeared -and it will probably not be the last- the cruelty from the character and the understanding from the viewer that no matter what happened he didn't feel anything, was enough to make this show a great watch. I liked all the characters in this series and I would probably watch it again as it is, as I mentioned before, a seven episode drama.
The only complain that I have is the ending. I suppose that OCN is preparing for a new season, but I believe that if they had finished the series properly and without plans of making another season this would be even better.
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The girls intro was a little otp
The way they cut the beginning was too cruel. The director leads you to believe that the fl was repeatedly raped (there was even a scene with a gang of boys surrounding her) since she was a kid. But once she arrives at her new school, people comment about how miraculous it was that she made it to 16 uncorrupted (aka a virgin). Her life was still a constant struggle tho, which made her want to do self harm.The ml was aloof and full of angst about his position. His backstory gave him a nice wounded prince vibe. But the ways he ended up protecting his little bride was probably my favorite part of the movie.
The nonverbal scenes were visually striking. Manga like. The fight scenes actually werent that bad either. Have seen much worse. Two of the guardian demons were pretty cute too. The second movie in the series is about the guardian/doctor/school nurse.
The music was unremarkable. The acting was ok. The story itself had potential, but the execution was low budget. And even tho there wasnt a lot of romantic moments for the leads, at least they had a happy ending.
So in conclusion. I consider this a strange little story that some may find enjoyable(reminds me of a campy horror flick)but others may find disturbing or cheaply done.
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Five Ingredients to Dine with Love
What ingredients make a foodie romance drama endearing?Happy ending? Great chemistry between the leads? Food?
Dine with Love has those three plus two extra ingredients – a tight script and just the right amount of silly supporting characters. These five ingredients, I find, make this drama enjoyable:
1. Fabulous main couple and the actors who played them.
Gao Han Yu and Jade Cheng, breathe life into Yu Hao and Su Ke Lan, respectively. Him, the cold CEO and her, the warm PR manager. Together, they displayed a comfortable long-term couple vibe. And I was very drawn to their chemistry. Oh. I have lost count of the number of times he was shirtless!
It is worth noting that Yu Hao and Su Ke Lan are one of the most mature yet flawed characters in Chinese romance drama. Individually, each carries trauma and heavy responsibilities. It shaped them into who they are and how they handle relationships as a couple and with others.
2. Tight script
In a 16 episodes format, the writers did not stray away from themes of food, family, friendship, and forgiveness. It is also tightly focused on the main couple. All subplots are connected to Yu Hao and Su Ke Lan - illness, ex-partners, business dealings, and secondary couple’s stories.
3. Main supporting Characters
The drama contains just the right amount of silly supporting characters. They served as support and competition to the main couple and slight comedic relief. My favourite amongst them is Yu Hao’s uncle, as he is the only one that brings out Yu Hao’s childishness.
4. Food
Specifically, cooking lessons. During these lessons, Su Ke Lan shined! I want her to be my cooking teacher. She is calm, always smiling and imparts knowledge about the value of food and cooking. She also gives an egg coated fried rice recipe! Yes, I did try it, and it was yummy.
In these lessons, the couple gets to know each other. It was calm yet intimate. And Yu Hao was mesmerised and addicted to her and her food. There was a scene when he turned on his laptop camera just to see her cooking behind him. Sneaky!
5. Happy ending
It is one of the most important ingredients to any romance fan. A good happy ending requires the audience to go through anticipation, warm fuzziness, heartbreak, frustration, and finally happiness. Dine with Love did not disappoint. My heart was full when they kissed in the final scene and burst when I saw the short bonus episode. Tip – find that extra episode! You will be giddy.
These five ingredients make this drama endearing and lovable to me from episode one right through the finale. It is still a flawed production (and what story isn’t?) but it showed me how invested I was in both Yu Hao and Su Ke Lan. I would have loved to spend more time with them as a couple before the proposal and less time during their separation.
On a final note – the now infamous ‘Sewing Scene’ of episode 12, is the most sensual in a Chinese romance drama I have ever watched. You are most welcome.
With love,
Lady Ajumma.
Ps. Despite the poor subbing during airing, it does not deter away from the quality of the story.
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