Reviews

STOP COMPARING THIS TO SEASON 1

You need to understand that every drama has it's own place....I know, we all have our own opinions on what we like or not, but one thing we can all do is, not compare stuff...
I don't have a lot to say besides this,

but I wanna talk about the MOST AMAZING cameos this drama is offering...Every single episode had me like "😲Them too!!!!!????"....

The cases in this drama are interesting in a sense that, they're not about money now, they're about REVENGE...and that makes all the cases interconnected... I find that super interesting but I've read comments of people not liking this concept....


Overall, if you wanna see our fantastic cast of Player get revenge from the bad guys, this drama is for you....

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Average

The drama was not so extraordinary or somewhat different but ya it was good for one time watch i was expecting it to be like police University but it was quite good than PU the first episodes were quite good but later it become somewhat like other dramas and tbh daeil death was not so necessary the starting was good later become foggy the end was average..
The best thing about this drama is the cast the cast chemistry was on point it was Daniel's first drama but he didn't disappoint leads chemistry was also good but i like personally the second leads their story was more natural to me and kim tak and Ari should definitely have their separate drama...
The music was not so memorable
You can watch this if you don't have some extraordinary dramas to watch

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My second review :)

I really liked this one, and I'm glad that I summoned up the courage to watch it. Since it has the theme of Shounen Ai.

But it was so delicately put in it's story and the actors were superb. I had watched the first one and that was good but since then I think I have matured more to appreciate this kind of stories.

As I said, the actors did a great job. Actually all kinds of first-love experience's makes me happy to watch. And I was happy to see that they brought back one of the mains from the first movie.

I can highly recommend this movie to someone with an open mind cause this made me so calm and moved by the sweet story. Good job scriptwriters and I salute to the ountstanding actors.

Thank you for taking time to read my review, do watch it!

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Sakristan (2020): All Bark But Not Much Bite

I can understand why a number of my My Drama List (MDL) and Twitter contacts wanted me to stop watching “Sakristan.” Their opinions about the controversial director Darryl Yap [accused of sexual exploitation of children, perpetuating misconceptions about rape, and shading other Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series, among others] are valid and I respect their principled position to boycott this series. But I really felt bad for the efforts given by the actors, so I wanted to judge this series based on its artistic merits. It wouldn’t be fair if I dismiss the series outright without even watching it.

Unfortunately, in terms of artistry, “Sakristan” was found wanting. While I admired Sakristan's efforts to confront the Philippine Catholic Church’s bigotry and hypocrisy on the issue of gays within its community, such plot/storyline did not really move forward on this series. Indeed, it was all bark but not much bite. The entire series was also replete with gender and sexual stereotypes that don’t advance lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer+ (LGBTQ+) representation. Not even the introduction of Christian's gay father and the tokenistic opening reminder (LGBT) can hide the series’ superficial understanding of the day-to-day issues confronted by the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines.

A lot of times, screenplay was corny and cringy. It was also soapy (akin to soap operas) for most of the series. There were awkward dialogues intended as jokes that weren't really funny. There were also lines that were a bit long and preachy. I would argue that the best scenes from this series were those without dialogues and with only the soundtracks and the sceneries. By and large, cinematography blended pretty well with the soundtracks.

While the acting performance of both lead actors and the chemistry between them improved throughout the series, Clifford and Henry, fell victims to the lack of proper acting direction. The VinCentiments style of acting failed to grasp the difference between stage and screen acting. Because of the perspective and proximity of the audience, acting on stage on the whole is bigger and exaggerated to be able to reach the people at the very back of the theatre. This means making vocal, physical, and emotional choices in acting that are oftentimes unnatural and unrealistic. The problem with the VinCentiments style of acting, it's as if the actors were still on stage! The lead actors and especially the support actors were overacting most of the time. It’s not as though the actors don’t have potential, they do, but since they weren’t given suitable acting direction, their style of acting always looked bad on screen. It's a pity because I really liked Clifford and Henry on this series. They may not be as good-looking compared to the lead actors of other Pinoy BL series but they have Pinoy features and vibes that I genuinely appreciate. Clifford was sexy and a sight for sore eyes and his intimate scenes with Henry, mostly without dialogues, were generally done tastefully.

Production design and editing were up and down throughout the series while the music (especially the soundtracks) was consistently good.

All in all, I would only recommend “Sakristan” for posterity, for those who are interested in watching one of the pioneers of Pinoy BL series, mindful of course of the fact that there are much better representations of the genre, namely, “Gameboys” and “Hello Stranger.”

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Awesome till the end!

This went so HARD!!!!! From beginning to end, the story, the actors, the action...it all gave 300%. I laughed, I cried, I sat in wonder at such a well-crafted drama. It's not a drama where you have to "think" to ponder the character's emotions, because you can feel them immediately. The portrayals are so raw, you will have this visceral reaction to the good, the bad, and the evil in this drama. And hats off to Dylan Wang for his great acting in making Qi'an a character we all understood and all wanted to win by keeping him relatable and utterly human, yet heroic in the face of adversity...in a story that gave him superhuman, ultimate, level-up powers. He wasn't perfect, he was just decent and kind, and that kept us wanting him to win through each battle. It was lovely to not watch people be mistreated for 40 episodes with no recourse or hope until the very end. It was lovely to see intelligent, strong women and soft, protected women in the same show characterized appropriately. They weren't just props and we got to watch them all either be active participants or learn and grow. It was lovely to see how camaraderie and family could not only be built, but made stronger. Liu Yi Jun...was a powerhouse. I could go on forever because truthfully, this entire cast embodied the characters they played so well. I could write a dissertation on all the good things in this drama, and not because it was deep, philosophical, or thought provoking, but simply because it was a great story with amazing actors, and I had a great time watching it. I have already started re-watching it! This is a 10 out of 10 and a banging way to start off the new year!

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this was one of the worst dramas i've ever had the misfortune of watching.

cee being controlling and insecure whenever kate so much as interacts with a man because she's a controlling/abusive lesbian tm and of course, kate is 100% going to cheat on her because kate is a promiscuous bisexual tm. the glaring biphobia that the show didn't bother to address, let alone correct, in the form of cee not being sure if kate wants to have a relationship with a woman because she used to date a man.

cee knew that kate wanted to have kids early on in their friendship. cee knew that kate broke up with her ex-boyfriend because he didn't want kids and she did. but for some reason (internalized homophobia that is, again, never addressed), cee thought that kate wouldn't want kids if she were dating a woman. lol. (also, cee thinking that same-gender couples can't have/raise kids because, "who would be the mom and who would be the dad??" that's a direct quote!!!)

and then came the worst plotline in the form of them both deciding that they want what the other wants!! (cee suddenly wants kids because she doesn't want to lose kate, and kate suddenly doesn't want kids because she doesn't want to lose cee.) since kate wants to get pregnant and she doesn't want to adopt because she wants the kids to be "theirs" (yet another issue but let's keep this review short), they decide that kate should have sex with a guy to get pregnant. makes total sense, right?? i wanted death at this point.

as if that wasn't bad enough, kate ends up marrying the dude and cee is her maid of honour, while clearly still being in love with her. no thanks.

tl;dr do yourself a favour and don't bother watching this.

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Complete waste of time

This actually started out fairly well, despite the usual BL setting - it had a bit more grit, like people actually took public transportation instead of driving an obscene luxury car. It did a decent job of portraying unrequited longing.

But then a confession happened and the whole thing fell to pieces. There is nothing lazier and less satifying to watch than a story based on implausible misunderstanding. This silliness took me out of the slice-of-like atmosphere that had been set up and plopped me into a terribly written and edited slice of Swiss cheese. Once the manufactured drama is resolved, we skip around for 100 days into a relationship totally devoid of any hint of romantic chemistry or romance at all, other than a 100-day anniversary dinner which was going to go wrong in a totally predictable way.

The acting is uneven. Kim In Sung has some charm as Han Joon, but Zuho... well, he tried.

This would have worked much better if it weren't a BL - Han Joon could still be in love with Yoo Jae, but it would have been interesting if it really were unrequited love - but given Yoo Jae's family issues, he might have really needed Han Joon and found a way to make their friendship work - because they did have decent friend chemistry.

The first 4 eps were good, the next two got me a bit worried, and the final two were a real chore to get through. I really can't recomment this - it's forgetable and I doubt I'll even remember it in a few months, except for the lingering feeling of frustration.

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stellar visuals with mediocre writing (watch suggestions)

Overall: it has a unique premise but the pacing was very slow and the writing was lackluster. 12 episodes about 23 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5405/the-promise-of-the-soul-2025-e01 (available in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia) ; iQIYI https://www.iq.com/album/the-promise-of-the-soul-2025-w4opu9ieap and VBL Series YouTube channel with membership (not available in Japan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akfMhc4hIXw - VBL (Variety Between Love) has also produced: Fight For You, Eternal Butler, Stay By My Side, You Are Mine etc. There are sometimes bonus scenes at the end, including at the very end of the finale.

Content Warnings: non con touching/kissing/sexual assault multiple times, past deaths, death, bullying, punches, ex-partner intimate abuse, held against will, blood, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide (it's complicated)

Watch Suggestions (if you aren't into slow pacing/a cold ML and focus on their sweet/steamy parts)
- read the synopsis
- skip episodes 1-4
- episode 5 watch 5-11:10 and 19:45-end
- episode 6 end at 21:55
- episode 7 watch 4-10:35 and 13:20-end
- episode 8 watch beginning-19
- watch episode 9
- skip episode 10
- episode 11 watch beginning to 9:10
- episode 12 watch 3:30-5:15, 6:50-8:05 and 15:45-end

What I Liked
- visuals
- the grandpa
- that everyone knew what happened right away
- the GL couple
- VBL cameo with the dorm supervisor and his boyfriend

Room For Improvement
- slow pacing
- the sexual assault (multiple times) and then poorly done redemption arc
- tropey (the accidental kiss)
- nonsense (not talking about the premise) perfectly coiffed hair after waking up in the morning, he wasn't brought to the hospital at the beginning of episode 7
- in episode 8 our supposed hero acts exactly like an abuser

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this drama should be the reason to stop reading the reviews and expecting alot cause of high rates and personal opinions

i appreciate they talked about imp. issue like bulling in work and cancer breast for both genders
but in general i felt mess in the story and the events during the end

it was really frustrating when the third person in the love triangle is extremely good even more than the main ML but the FL refused him for the other selfish guy

what bothered me much the part when the FL suggest they live together to choose between them
this was a real pain and made me angry

and towards the end even it's 24ep
many many things they didn't explain and totally ignore as if we should figure it out by ourselves
although it was many times boring in such a worthless events

i dislike ... although i'm a huge fan for hyo jin & jung suk i really dislike and frustrated
but i should admit it has many very touchy and fluffy moments

good luck for those who want to give this mess a chance

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Love this miniseries!

I absolutely love this miniseries. The chemistry between the male lead (ML) and female lead (FL) is utterly captivating. Their performances in their energy and emotion creates a perfect harmony on screen. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and moments of pure joy and laughter that leave you eagerly anticipating for the next episode.
Adding to the charm of the series is the SML whose humor and wit provide a delightful contrast. His acting is spot-on, bringing his character's unique personality to life in a way that's both endearing and hilarious.
And let's not forget Guo Jinan, who graces the series with his incredibly good looks. He truly melts hearts with his on-screen presence. I can't wait to see more of him in leading roles in the future. This miniseries is a true gem,

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Regretting for wasting my 25+ hours for watching this

Initially, for around 22-23 episodes the story and direction is very good but after the 23rd episode I started regretting choosing this drama. Such a huge decision, a huge blunder I have never seen in any drama. Hiding from the beloved ones, hiding the existence of the son from the father, betraying her own son and husband without having them any warmth for six years for a useless reason. In this drama, according to me the director just played with the viewer's emotions in a very bad way even though there were so many alternate fair solutions for the problem.
I should appreciate the female lead acting, I should say her contribution is more compared to others even including the director.
If any wants to watch this drama you can watch till 22 episodes, if you continue to watch you also may regret for wasting your time.

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Story: It was ok but it dragged. I thought they kept the pacing nice until episode 10-14. Then 15 and 16 seemed to have so many random things thrown in. I would say that they needed more episodes, but they wasted so much time in 10-14 that it's hard for me to even consider that. I wasn't expecting much out of this drama, but even with low standards it's hard for me to give this a love it rating. There were times that in this drama it felt like it was a fanfic. I don't mean a nasty one; I mean a nice fluffy one that a high schooler wrote. If any of you read fanfics which I'm sure more than half of you do, and you know what I'm talking about. I will say if I stumbled across a fanfic version of this I think there would be more kissing.

Cast: Now I understand why people like IU so much. She really has this girl next door feel to her. I love JGS. He's one of my favorite actors, but this was not his best work. I feel like Lee Jang Woo never fully committed to his character. I feel like the director had something to do with these two not performing their best.

Music: It was ok. Good variety, I didn't feel like they were playing the same song all the time throughout this drama.

Rewatch: Probably not because there wasn't anything that made me think yeah I needed to watch again. There wasn't a pivotal moment that made everything change and made me think yeah I want to watch this build up again.

Overall: If you want an aegyo drama that was probably based on a fanfic, then give this a shot. I went into this drama with about the same thought as Nail Shop Pairs. Yeah, I feel like the writers for both of Nail Shop Pairs and Pretty Boy have the same style. I want to give this a better rating because I really like IU, JGS, and Lee Jang Woo. I really hope their next dramas are better than this.

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I've spent my 4 days off from work watching this drama & finally it has come to an end. I still have an alien thingy hang-over. All 9's.
Story - Its something unique for me because I've seen all sort of movies about vampires and werewolves but not much for alien that really allure me. However, I didn't feel that much excited in some episodes. There are dramas that I've watched that if not because I have to, I won't stop. Like I'm always looking forward for the next episode. This one felt short in some Episodes but I so love that last 5 episodes.
Acting - for Jun Ji Hyun, I felt like her acting here is same-same with how she portrayed her character in My Sassy Girl. But still, its really good. Specially in the comedy part, she brought it all out. Kim Soo Hyun is sometimes stiff. Same expression most of the time. And I don't think its because of his character coz I felt the same in Moon embraces the Sun. Music - ohhh I love 2 of the songs (My Destiny & Hello, Goodbye). I wish they've used it more often. Rewatch Value - it will soon be aired in our country and I will definitely watch it again. Overall - its great and something that its worth watching. For sure!

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"If someone is to ask me what was the happiest moment in my life, my answer is always the same. It's this moment here and now." This drama is a pure love. From the first second to the last one. I'll be honest with you and tell you that I didn't have high expectations for this drama, but oh boy I was wrong. Really wrong. If someone is to ask me what is the best melodrama, without hesitation I'd say Marriage Contract.
The story seems very ordinary, yet very unique for me. It's like a hidden gem.The charm and beauty of this drama lies in the mood followed all through, you know that kind of mood we all know of those very beautiful and great old dramas you rewatch over and over again. So I can proudly say that Marriage Contract is my guilty pleasure. ;)
However, what'll make this drama forever engraved in my heart and soul is atmopshere( I liked the lighting in this drama, orange, yellow, blue), one of the best chemistries I've ever seen, natural, real and out of this world acting, fantastic characters and their natural developing, memorable music. I liked how this drama was getting better and better with every single scene and episode, without hysterical yelling, unnecessary illogical plots and happenings, and it was calm and logical till the end.

Acting was simply wow. Lee Seo Jin grow so much as an actor and his character is a heart of this drama. He freaking rocked this role. From the jerk to the sweet, caring and loveable husband, son and dad. His strong and powerful acting plus sexy dimples is not easily to be forgotten, for sure. And now what surprised me was Uee. I've always been neutral with her and I've thought that her acting is so-so, but she made me prove I was very, very wrong. She did a marvellous job. I simply can't get out of my mind the way she caress Eun Sung, how she holds back her tears, her gestures, biting her lip and smiling. She literally ruined me because she wasn't ashamed to show her deepest emotions, she cried when felt like crying, she smiled when she felt happy and she loves with all hear heart. She learned to appreciate life, to live in this moment without any regrets. Since I definitely agree with her she has my sincere respect for that. And our little Eun Sung. Withouth her this drama wouldn't be alive. That little girl is such a sweet heart. I've always adored kids since forever and that's maybe why dramas with kids are my weakness, but what can I do. Eun Sung made me to cry bucket of tears because that child is simply fantastic.
I have no words to describe that phenomal and electric chemistry. Both of them showed deepest and raw emotions, their gentle touching, passionate and sweet kisses, tight and warm hugs, their sincere tears and words for each other. As I said you have to see it for yourself, because explaining something wonderful as this is is impossible. I guarantee you that. ;)

Music is very beautiful especially that nice mumbling instrumental which played in the most fantastic moments. OSTs were also addicting and I listen them from time to time. :P

Marriage Contract is a drama full of life lessons with excellent dialogues and wise words. A drama which makes you appreciate and love your life. The one that will hit you hard, crawl under your skin and bones and forever be remembered.

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Brilliant acting, but goes around in circles

I started watching this series due to all the hype and awards. It's a psychological thriller (not a mystery) so you do need patience and the willingness to understand the motives, behaviour patterns and relationship connections for all the characters. It's a very intricately woven story, with a lot of nuance and some phenomenal acting from all the cast members.

However, I found the pace inconsitent from episode to episode, and it was annoying to have a lot of the story told with flashbacks ranging from months to years to days to hours! It also had a gimmicky approach towards some of the characters, making you suspect this character and the other character quite randomly, and then the story heading in a completely different direction. They could have done without these gimmicks.

Overall, it's a good, though slow, watch and worth it purely for the performances of all the cast members.

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