Reviews

Here we go with the 'grooming' tid bit, have you watched the drama or even the clips. SHE CHASES HIM. As for the Summer-winter affair it means a short lived romance hopefully ending well as the summer heat comes into the arsh winter realities. The story is beyond the age factor. For all of you saying 'ick' factor there are many females who never clicked with a younger man. This female character actually decided who her man is and took assertive action to remind him and wake him up to their past and future. He pushed her away several times. I admit there are many cheesy dramas with child-like females but this is not one of them. No deceptive plots no wicked jealous second lead no temper tantrums or getting back at the other person.

Beautiful drama. 10/10

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Amazing! Deserves All Awards!

DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS FOR THIS MOVIE!
The long synopsis at the top of this page spoils too much.

All you need to know is: One mute guy and one girl, Japanese romance, maybe sad times ahead.

Honestly, this is one of the best films I've seen in years.
I'd say this is Yamada's best movie since Grasshopper. His performance is always solid but he excels in this; how he conveys and comunicates in this is just amazing. Hamabe, I wasn't familiar with going in but I think she was absolutely perfect too! Her acting was amazing and you could feel her emotions and her journey clearly.
The story itself is just way more than you expect and it's so beautiful and emotional and pure.

If this doesn't win any awards at the end of the year, I'll be shocked and disgusted.




***

Slight Spoilers: I cannot describe how misadvertised this movie is, and I am kinda glad it is. You go in thinking it's just gunna be your typical Japanese romance but it's so much more. I cried the entire time, so definitely prepare tissues!

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A Story of Emotions and Life Lessons

This drama has done something for me. It has proven (to me) a bit of a formula for what a show needs to have to be a 10/10 FOR ME.

-Multiple storylines
-People that are written like REAL people - (not perfect people, not idealized people, but nitty gritty, do the wrong thing, say yes when they mean no, REAL people)
-Romance that is present throughout but is not the major focus
-Love "tri"angles that are dirty and messy and emotional are a plus

-This show is long.
-This show takes a LOT of detours NOT focusing on the "Main" plot, most of it consists of side plots
-This show's ML is VERY VERY VERY rigid in his beliefs and this is often at the expense of his relationship with the FL.
-FL does NOT explain herself to ANYONE until after the fact (and then only sometimes)

Ultimately, because the show focuses so much on the side stories, the main story does fall to the background with the thread popping up again every few episodes to move something forward an inch. What this means though is that if you DON'T like the side stories the show will fall flat.

Personally, I think the first was the weakest but with each subsequent one I slowly got more invested. I had tears in my eyes by the end.

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Do you like/ not mind:
angst?
misunderstandings and doubts?
slowest of snail romance?
Low/no physical intimacy
older cgi, costumes, hairstyles/ wigs

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Fully biased 10/10
Unbiased... 7.5 or 8 probaby

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Doubt - blinds

"When you truly want to understand someone, but you can't, you end up having doubts. You can't trust your own judgement but you can't help it. "

Kicking off 2025 with this absolute gem -easily the best decision I made in 2024. It’s gripping, magical, and downright thrilling -I was hooked the whole way. The acting? Flawless. And the cinematography? Absolute fire! With a show that defines itself with every episode here you really trade deals with doubt.

When your dad’s a criminal profiler, what do you master? Lying like a pro. Doubt dives into the tangled web of a father-daughter duo who share nothing but a million lies. As they tackle a case that only deepens their divide, the daughter becomes the prime suspect for her own profiler dad. Intrigue, tension, and a family in freefall - sold!

Patience isn’t really my thing, and waiting for things to unfold? Definitely not me. But this show shattered all my theories at every step. Some twists you might see coming, others you simply buy into because the narrative sells it so well. It’s not your typical adrenaline-fueled thriller - it thrives in unthinkable layers, driven by the intricate web of human relationships. And let me tell you, it’s executed with absolute perfection, down to every last detail!

The acting, the gloomy cinematography, the emotional chaos in every character, and a storyline that ties it all together seamlessly—it’s a masterpiece. Just when you think you’ve figured out how things will unfold, you might be right, but the journey to get there? Oh, it’s something else. Sign me up to endorse all such shows !

But I must say Doubt isn’t for everyone - its slow-burn style might test thrill-seekers. But for those who crave psychological depth and intricate storytelling, it’s unmatched. With deliberate pacing that builds suspense while keeping you hooked, Doubt cements itself as a must-watch in its genre.

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I personally feel that the drama's trailer was misleading. The drama turned out way different to what I expected and not only was I surprised, I actually really didn't like it.

There were too many times when a misunderstanding occurred between the main couple. There was overuse of phrases like "my destiny is to..." "but I want to live like this, but I've got no choice" " I must avenge my father" "I love you" then "I hate you" (Lol. They probably ran out of lines to say)
I was like, I get the idea, the characters are confused due to what they've been though but it was over elaborated and it felt over complicated.

Add in a few extra plot twist and unnecessary new inputs to the already tangled plot line, you get WTF IS GOING ON?

However, character development is shown as the drama proceeds. Basically, all the chaos and pain is caused by the idea of revenge and betrayal, which got really really annoying since one moment everything is fine the BAM!-- it gets worse, then slowly everything is peaceful BUT NO some other trouble stirs it all up again and again and again.... and that kind of replays that through the episodes.

There were sweet and funny moments with Ye Kai and Ding Ling Ling which were really cute. There were nice fighting scenes and special effects. Costumes were really nice too and the music was alright, that middle eastern tune was overplayed whenever they danced. I also liked the casting and felt they did as best they could with the role given.

The ending was so FRUSTRATING!!! It was really sad, disappointing and a little confusing.
I watched 50 episodes and this is what I end up with? I guess the unhappy ending is refreshing....?
#givememytimeback

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Wow, the finale!!

A struggling lawyer with a secret dark side gets pulled into the dark world of a notorious criminal. But what leads him to the line of evil and will he survive the ordeal of events?

Evilive is a noir-themed kdrama with a dark vibe, focuses on the advent of online gambling. Those who love watching ambiguous characters dive deep into crime, with suspenseful and thrilling events will love watching it. I was rushing in head first without watching any trailer/teaser because I already know these men have proven themselves from their previous roles. Anyone who've watched them know how ‘good’ Shin Ha Kyun, Shin Jae Ha and Kim Young Kwang are when they are bad.

Evilive does not disappoint. The first scene bait is intriguing and you discover what really happen sooner than you think. They set up its character well: their inner struggle and what are at stakes, such as their family, marriage and most importantly... their moral values.

I was having a big fun with the friendships and bromance among our leads. Ha Kyun and Jae Ha's characters are supporting each other like siblings, while Ha Kyun's and Young Kwang's characters are like enemies to bromance relationships, they both don’t trust each other but they stick together throughout. My only nitpick is that cinematography and action are of mediocre quality, but it doesn't matter much as the premise is very strong, the plot has rarely any dull moment, the characters are peculiar, the storytelling takes you deep into the world of law, crime suspects and unexpected twists and turns, none of it disappoints... To enjoy the drama to the fullest, I recommend you to binge this.

-Nov 2023, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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The Best of 'Kiss'

Of all the ‘Kiss’ series this is by far my favorite. The pool scene in the first episode was incredibly cute and then the way they tied it in in the last episode had me swooning. While the story line is a tad cliche, I enjoyed watching Pete and Kao work through all their drama (a lot of it self inflicted). Normally characters as overly possessive as Pete are hard for me to like, but I enjoy Tay's portrayal so much and I know the added stress of dating a closeted person amplifies Pete's insecurities. I am confused about how supposedly no one in the gang, besides Sandee, knows about Pete and Kao when their relationship was outed in Kiss The Series. I'm not sure if the writers forgot or if they were just trying to have added pressure on Kao's reluctance to come out.
One of my favorite elements in the show are the parents (Pete's dad and Kao's mom) . I especially love the relationship between Pete and his dad. I wish every parent would be that understanding and open. They did a good job with Non's character because I really wanted to fight him haha.
There were enough romantic scenes to satisfy me. Sun and Mork’s love seen was so well captured and tender. Pete and Kao are #3 in my heart (after Arthit/Kongpop and Pete/Ae). The drama in the last couple of episodes really had me clutching my blankets and tearing up. Overall well acted, good script, endearing characters. High re-watch value for me. And I have to add that wow Tay really lives up to his name, he is indeed very handsome.

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A good but not great drama that is more political than wuxia.

Completed - 5/18/2022

"Who Rules The World" was my most anticipated drama in 2022 because I am a fan of Yang Yang, Zhou LuSi and wuxia dramas. Though I wouldn't say the drama exceeded my high expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed it for the most part. At first glance, this seems to be a wuxia drama (or it's advertised as such), but it's actually more political.

What I Enjoy:

1. Smart Characters - It's rare to find a drama where almost all the main characters are smart and strong (emotionally and physically) from beginning to the end. Our Black (Hei Feng Xi) and White (Bai Feng Xi) lead characters are established and well-known martial artists in the pugilistic world. We don't have to wait for them to grow stronger throughout the drama. They are already two of the most powerful people. This creates an interesting dynamic between the two that is fun to watch as they compete and fall in love. We also have a strong supporting cast in Feng Qi Wu (badass female general), Huang Chao (intelligent and cunning crown prince), and Yu Wu Yuan (the two-faced Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the drama). No one needs to be saved all the time, and no one becomes dumb all of a sudden. I wish there are more dramas out there with such strong and intelligent characters.

2. Mature Main Romance - It's fun to see our leads bicker all the time, yet slowly fall in love. I quite enjoy watching our ML being the smartest cookie in the show, yet so clueless when it comes to courting our FL. A shy and embarrassed Yang Yang is a treat. This is a romance without misunderstandings, break-ups, or evil unrequited love rivals. Our leads love, support, and trust each other. A comfortable romance to watch and one to die for.

3. Costumes/Styling - I am usually not a big fan of the bun hairstyle for the male characters in historical dramas. But in this drama, I would say almost all of the guys look pretty dashing in their costumes. I think Yang Yang looks the best when he's ill with his hair down. He even looks great with white hair! Zhao LuSi is made for historical dramas. She is so beautiful here and her particular hairstyle as Bai Feng Xi suits her so well. All the ladies have beautiful dresses and hair accessories. Nothing is too overdone, but just natural and complementary. I also like how they color coordinated ML and FL's costumes in many scenes when they are together.

4. Acting - Though many criticize Yang Yang's acting and his role selection, I do feel that his role here provided him the ability to be cool, sweet, romantic, serious and heartbroken. He might not be as amazing as he was in "Glory of Special Forces", but he's not bad either. He's great in Ep 28 - heartbreaking palace scene with the emperor. Zhou LuSi can also be typecasted into the cute female lead. Similar to Yang Yang, her role here also provided her an opportunity to show the different sides of Bai Feng Xi - from the carefree girl, to the elegant queen, and finally as a commanding ruler and soldier. The rest of the supporting cast is pretty good as well.

What I have mixed feelings about:

1. Leads Chemistry - For some reason, I don't feel that Yang Yang and Zhao LuSi have amazing chemistry in this drama. They seem like good friends or siblings. Maybe because their romance is so calming and understanding? There's no sizzle, no longing, no real heartbreak or super fluffy moments? Perhaps that's why I am not feeling it quite as much, even though they have some romantic, fun bickering and cute moments.

2. Fight Scenes - I was quite happy with the first few episodes of the drama. It was so fun to see FL fighting with that long ribbon. The fan that ML uses might not be as entertaining but the fight scenes are pretty good with no slow motion movement or posing. But the number of fight scenes decreases throughout the drama when the plot becomes more political. The few fight scenes that we got are short and not well-done at all. The last two big fight scenes in ep 39 and 40 - war battles and the final one in the palace - are just actors flying here and there with very little actual fighting.

3. Sets/Props/Lighting - This is a very subjective category and it probably only bothers me. I am expecting a pretty decent, if not big, budget production where money could be spent on props and sets. For some reason, it was irritating me throughout the show to see 'fake' sets and props. The color of the furniture/decorations and inside the palace don't seem right, compared to other historical dramas or similar caliber, such as "Novaland: Pearl Eclipse". I am not expecting the quality of "The Rebel Princess" but still, something is off and it bothers me. Another area that bugs me is the lighting of the drama. I am not expecting awesome lighting or cinematography like in "Luoyang" or "The Longest Day in Chang'an", but the drama could use more candles and lanterns for NIGHT scenes, instead of bright light from the window or artificial lighting. On the positive side, there are many beautiful aerial shots over different kingdoms.

4. Pacing - I would have placed this in the "What I Like" category if not for the last few episodes. For most of the drama, the pacing is really good and the story moves along smoothly. I was not bored and the drama kept my attention for the most part. However, in the last 5 episodes or so, there are many war battle scenes. I get confused about the city names and the repeated back-and-forth advancing and retreating, making these episodes feel rushed. I think the two time skips also affected the pacing as well.

Other Random Observations:
1. No one commented that the eldest prince (ML's older brother) can walk again?
2. Songs are not overplayed in this drama.
3. Does anyone find Zhao Lu Si's weirdly-shaped eyebrows distracting? No? Maybe it's just me. LOL
4. Where did teenage Han Pu find ingredients to make drugs in the war zone?
5. It's cool to see the soldiers waving the flags in a battle to communicate war strategies.
6. CGI is not good.

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Remarkable drama! One of the rarest and best for me. Drama which deeply touched my heart and I know it'll stay with me forever. Everything, absolutely everything was just perfect. Honestly, I personally can't believe how much I cried and cried, smiled and smiled for this drama. I was invested in its story and characters I believe more than 100%. So I had to write a review, first for me and my emotions and then for you my beloved friends.
Story is one of the bests in a history of sageuks dramas. A hero kind drama with a beautiful bromance between Dong Soo and Woon, unforgettable friendship between all characters, mesmerizing sceneries, full action. In the beginning I didn't believe I will enjoy this much, but once I get into it, which didn't take me long, believe me I just couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to see more and more. Amazing twists, best villains, fighting, all that was perfectly combined leaving me no time to even think about something else. Every scene and every second was precious to me. Why it needed to move me so deep, just why?

Oh how many awesome, amazing characters are in this drama. In fact, that is the essence of this drama. Characters, their interactions with each other, characters developments, choosing their own paths of life, forgivness, regrets, sadness, repentance, happiness. And that's what moved me to the bones. I became very attached to characters, that I asked myself if I am okay, that it's just a drama, but something more in me was telling me that this is not some ordinary sagaeuk drama I used to watch most of the time. It is something different, very different.
Dong Soo is a hero, a protagonist of this drama. In fact, the are two. Dong Soo and Woon, since their lifes are followed from the younger days to the adult ones. Dong Soo choose to became a kind and persistent man towards his dream to become the best Swordman of Joseon, while Woon who wanted to end his unfortunate life, choose an easy way and became an assassin (I called it easy because it was the easiest way, he just wanted to escape the unhappiness he had no matter where and what). And from that moment on their lives became one cruel fate which they couldn't avoid.
Jin Joo was an amazing character! I loved her so much. Brave, strong and independent. Her sad life was indeed sad. I became so attached to her that I could feel what she felt, like her character was alive and was standing beside me telling me about her shitty life. Her fate really played with her, but she couldn't escape it.
That monk girl or Ji Sun - no comment. Seriously. I felt like she was there just like that.
Besides main leads, there are many stellar actors and characters. Whom I loved the most are definitely Cheon Soo (Sky Lord), Ji and Swordmaster. Cheon was a BEST villain ever, although I never felt like that, since his story was very moving and sad, that I just couldn't hate him. His love towards Ji was a painful, unrequited one which was just sad and I cried and cried. She loved Swordmaster, but never had a courage to actually go to him, because she knew what her fate is. Their story was really painful and it touched me to the core. I'll NEVER EVER forget them, their longing, regrets and sadness. I swear, I've never in my life cried this much for a drama, never. I guess this drama stroke me right in the heart!!!

************* SPOILERS******************* ABOUT: Jin Joo; Woon

Okay, I personally believe Jin Joo's ending was some kind of a ridicilous one. It seemed like writers forced a painter on her, just to pair her up with someone. Even now I can't understand how Dong Soo forgot when she kissed him and asked him to marry her when they were younger. And the beginning of their story was leading that they'll end up together, but when they got older he fell in love with that monk girl. It does not make a friggin' sense to me, seriously. She was a brave, strong and kind character and I just adore when a girl knows how to fight. She is not hiding behind someone, waiting to someone protect her and that's what I respected the most about her character. Also, I somehow, without knowing became very attached to her character, that when first she lost her mother I cried a river, then when she lost her father I cried a river again. She just ruined me emotionally. I loved how she, the only one didn't hate Cheon, she considered him a friend, and he liked her too. I loved her when he called her "child", but when he died my heart broke. When she cried for him I cried with her together. Hehehe you can imagine how 'beautiful' sight it was. :P
Oh and how much I have to say for Woon-a. I FRIGGIN' LOVE HIM! He was the most unselfish person I've ever seen in my life. His endless love for a Dong Soo and Cho Rip really never ended. But that animal Cho Rip betrayed him. Ufff I hated him at the end I wish he was dead instead of my beloved Woon. He choose his life path and became an assassin, but he never felt like he belongs in Hok Sa Cho Rong. His body was there, but his heart and mind was with Dong Soo, Captain and Swordmaster. His character was the strongest. I actually felt his pain, longing and love that he missed. Plus, his performance was phenomenal, even though he was 18 years old back then. JUST BRAVO!
In the last episode, I knew that something will happen to him and I was praying that everything goes well, but that curse that followed him right from the time he was born did really take his life. Oh how much I cried when he said to Dong Soo: "You were my safe place, you've always been Dong Soo-ya. Now you don' t suffer anymore because of me." With those painful, tearful, sad words and the moment when he throw those swords and let Dong Soo kill him, I just couldn't take it anymore and bursted in tears, and cried who knows how long after that. One more precious moment is after that when Dong Soo is drinking and trying to forget about him, but in every new glass he sees him, more vividly than the previous one. Those moments are the ones I'll never forget in my life.

**************SPOILERS END***************

Although this drama had a million sad moments, moments that simply brake your heart, I didn't regret one thing. I simply lived with this drama.
Also OSTs are amazing. For every scene they put the right ones. Epic for epic, sad for sad, happy for happy ones. Oh and I think that each song is connected to some characters. Just by looking at its lyrics you can connect and say " Oh that song is meant for this and that character." I'm still listening the whole album and keep rememebering how precious moments are in this drama.

I'd gladly rewatch it, even I know I'll go through the same pain again, but nothing will stop me to rewatch this masterpiece. All in all, this drama showed me how strong and powerful friendship can be, and that the one who loves more is the weaker one. Unwritten rule, but totally true. This drama will always, I mean always have a special place in my heart.

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On a super crazy Yamapi nostalgia which propelled me to re-watch almost all he's been acting in, I have finally come around to watch this movie. I was hesitant because, honestly, among all the combat sports, boxing is definitely not my favourite.

Being the movie adaptation of a legendary manga, the plot of this live action would need a 1 page discussion at least. But here's the rub! The movie does absolutely no justice to the cultural reality it was born in. Tomorrow's Joe is originally a story of social redemption that features a very self destructive antihero; it's not your average story of poor guy becomes rich and popular thanks to his fists and strength of will. It is, or I'd better say it SHOULD BE, the mirror of a period, a true social condemnation embodied by a derelict guy who can express himself only on the ring. This is where the film fails big time. The character of Joe is so scantily written one needs to be a seer to understand his motives – unless you've read all 20 volumes of the manga, in which case you'll probably be disappointed anyway by its brevity.
The direction seems to have been so preoccupied with the tiniest visual detail that it completely forgot to tell a story. The same applies to all the characters, whose arc is touched so superficially I had to appeal to my imagination to fill all the glaring voids.

Not to mention the boxing aspect itself. While the actors have done an amazing job at preparing for a difficult athletic task, the combats themselves are visually beautiful but tremendously repetitive. Since so much time is dedicated to the fight, I was hoping for more moves and tricks that never came. Once again, in their anxiety to be loyal to the manga they concentrated on the outer picture, instead of creating a movie which could stand on its own feet, for viewers who weren't yet born in the 60ies or have never heard of Yabuki Joe.

So why am I giving this film such a high overall rate?
Let's say this is my way to pay homage to the cast, mostly Tomohisa and Yusuke Iseya, and the director of photography. As you may have inferred from the premise of this review, I do not belong to the group of those who think Yamapi's just another pretty idol who can't act. On the contrary, I maintain he has what in theatre jargon is called the "physique du role", regardless of the part he plays. He does not express much with his face, he actually uses his whole body to enter the character. From Akira who flaps his arms like a weird butterfly to the über cool flying doctor, from the basketball court to the boxing ring he's always extremely believable. I could mention more roles, but it won't be necessary, I stand my ground: here, he IS Joe. If he had been given the chance, he would have created an unforgettable character.
Iseya did an amazing job too, despite the sad lack of depth the character he portrays is condemned to by the terrible script.

As for photography, it's absolutely stunning. Colours, angles, close-up shots and flashbacks are spot on. It does have a flaw, though, directly related to the abovementioned necessity to stay visually true to the manga: at times it looks as though the story took place in the 20ies, when in fact it's the 60ies and 70ies, as proved by the fact that people watch television, among other things.
The music falls into the same trap, but I'm willing to forgive this detail, since it's very beautiful and suits the atmosphere perfectly.

I may rewatch this movie in the future, just for the visual. I'm not sure I'm willing to recommend it, unless you're familiar with the characters and don't care for the plot.
Let's say that this movie has done nothing to ignite my interest for the sport, but it has confirmed my undying love for Yamashita Tomohisa – as if that ever needed validation.

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Even If It’s Propaganda — It Doesn’t Change The Fact That It Happened

If you’re watching Dead to Rights (南京照相馆) expecting a safe, dramatized war story, you’re in for a brutal wake-up call.

Based on real events during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, the film follows a postman, A Chang, who pretends to be a photo developer for the Japanese military to survive. Inside this false identity, he secretly turns the photo studio into a temporary refuge for Chinese civilians and soldiers. But in the face of unforgivable violence and horror, A Chang risks everything. Smuggling people to safety and preserving photographic evidence of the atrocities.

The story and visuals are brutally honest. This film does not shy away from the horror. It doesn’t soften the truth to make it easier to watch. Instead, it forces you to sit in the reality of one of the darkest chapters in modern history and to understand it for what it was: genocide, terror, survival, and silent resistance.

The performances in Dead to Rights are just as unforgettable. Every actor delivers with such rawness and restraint that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a movie. There’s no overacting here, just honest, human reactions to inhuman cruelty. I have never jump-scared in a movie before… but the tension in this film had me on edge the entire time. It’s not a horror movie, but the fear feels so real that your body reacts anyway. This isn’t just a film you watch but it’s one you feel in your bones.

But beyond the emotional weight, Dead to Rights is also visually stunning in the most haunting way. The cinematography is rich, atmospheric, and deeply intentional. Every frame felt like a carefully composed photograph, echoing the film’s themes of memory and documentation. The visuals don’t just show violence. They capture emotion, stillness, grief.

Some are calling this film CCP propaganda but honestly, that kind of reaction says more about the discomfort of facing truth than the film itself. You don’t have to take the movie’s word for it. A simple Google search will show you the reality. There are real photographs from the time: babies impaled on swords, civilians shot point-blank in the streets, bodies piled like garbage. These aren't exaggerated for film but they're documented, and they’re horrifying.

Because of Japan’s censorship and silence around this part of its history, many in Japan still grow up unaware of what truly happened in Nanjing. That silence is not just painful, it's dangerous. It allows wounds to stay open and accountability to fade. Dead to Rights may be confronting, but it’s confronting truth. And often, the real thing was worse. Far worse ... than anything a film could show.

There’s also been criticism about young children watching this film and coming away with anti-Japanese sentiment. And while it’s a complex issue, I think we need to ask: why are we blaming the Chinese government for children’s reactions… but not the parents who took them to see a film this raw, this heavy? This is not a movie for kids and that’s clear. But the responsibility lies with the adults who chose to bring them, not the filmmakers who told the truth.

And even if this was CCP propaganda... it wouldn’t change the fact that it happened. The events of the Nanjing Massacre are real, recorded, and undeniable. No amount of political framing erases the truth of what survivors endured. What matters now is that we remember, that we educate, and that we don’t look away.

In the end, Dead to Rights doesn’t just tell a story. It preserves memory. It confronts silence. It says, “Look. Don’t look away. Someone lived this. Someone died here. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”

And for that, I believe this film is not only necessary but it’s a masterpiece of remembrance.

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A Delightful Pregnancy/New Parent Story

This is a follow-up special to the excellent 2016 J-Drama Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu and if you enjoyed that series, then this special is absolutely a must-see. The film is a tad didactic about pregnancy and new parenthood, but I think that even people who have not seen the original series can enjoy it as a standalone movie.

The special continues roughly three years after the end of the series. Mikuri and HIramasu are now happily and genuinely (if not legally) married, and working hard at their jobs. Mukuri's Aunt Yuri has broken up with Ryota, and facing her prospects as a successful business woman with no life partner.

The story largely focusses on Mikuri and Hiramasu as they discover that a child is on its way, and have to deal with the usual issues of first-time parents in Japan which are complicated by the birth occurring immediately before the first Covid lockdown in Japan. The show deftly addresses the systemic resistance to the legally mandated parental leave by Japanese businesses, and places the two on the front lines of trying to change the work culture to reasonably accommodate pregnancy.

Most of the side characters return for the special, and the series continues to be unusually LGBTQ+ positive in comparison to most J-dramas. Hiramasu's gay previous boss Numata is now living with the guy he met in the final episode and there are a couple of other good solid moments of inclusion as well.

All in all, this special is a happy story about a young couple facing the challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood. It is a test for their relationship, but it is one that they work together to face, and in the end they have a loving, growing family in the new normals of life in Covid times and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships.

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Cuteness can't save everything!

This one had the hallmark fake dating trope and it got off to a pretty good start, but it lost its footing in the middle and it was only partly redeemable in the end. 

The leads Yuha and Min U, had this awkward but cute chemistry that just worked. They weren’t over the top or too intense. Min U is the overthinker, always trying to keep things under control but clearly unsure of what he is doing half the time. Yuha also doesn't fall far from the tree either. He comes off as confident and charming, but he has his own battles to fight. It was fun watching these two emotionally stunted adults fake date their way and try to act unbothered while slowly unraveling.

But somewhere along the way, it got a little messy. Maybe it was the short runtime or just 1 episode per week that made it seem a bit incoherent or the fact that they tried to squeeze in too many tropes and unnecessary drama. Instead of exploring the characters more, the story leaned on tired cliches like throwing in a random female character to cause drama. We really don't need this in 2025 and especially when runtime is already pretty limited.

The second couple, Taeha and Jaemin had potential but didn’t get enough screen time to make their relationship feel believable. They were cute but it all felt rushed and surface level. It was all "blink and you will miss it" romance. I see them more as close friends or even if it was romantic, it was more from Jaemin's side.

On that note, I wasn’t a fan of Taeha’s character. He came off as manipulative and the whole "I did it out of love" excuse didn’t sit right with me at all. In my head if someone is like family to you, you just don’t lie to them and mess with their life in order to protect them, considering that person is an ADULT. The way it was glossed over and hugged out left a sour taste in my mouth.

Also there were too many beauty filters on actors faces. They were already handsome and charming, the plastic doll finish wasn't needed.

Overall, I did enjoy the first half, which makes me a little disappointed. It’s one of those "too many cooks and tropes destroys the soup" situation where everything is in there, but nothing gets enough time to shine.

That said, it’s still a light and a short watch. I would recommend it if you like fake dating tropes and aren’t looking for anything too deep. It’s fine for a one-time watch.

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Enemy to the heart, turns out the direction to become lovers isn't too far.

Since I have nothing better to do, why not make a whole review revamped about my favorite lakorn Jark Sadtroo Soo Hua Jai (English Translation: From Enemy to the Heart)

Something to make clear: This is a slap kiss lakorn but sometimes people don't think so, imo definition in slap kiss there are forced kisses, forced seduction, and some sort of makjang, male chases female first. Don't turn back though, since you'll find yourself relaxed even if there are forced kisses, the slap kiss level on this is medium (more bolder than Kluen Cheevit, but less than Hua Jai Sila). So don't get warned with all of the slap kiss tags on there.

I'm deciding to make my review medium sized since it was a long one and I decided that making another review for my favorite lakorn is the best.

One word since I'll use this A LOT: Chemistry.

That's right chemistry makes it. The chemistry between Aum and Mik is burning hot that it burned my soul and body. They have the best chemistry in Channel 7 and though this is subjective, many people did love their chemistry and I might be the number one fan that loves the chemistry, of course again chemistry is subjective and people may have their picks.

If you somehow decide to torture yourself and miss out on this lakorn, by dropping it don't. Stay until at least episode 7 and if you don't feel the chemistry, your a tortured soul (Just Kidding, Am I? LOL).

Mik Thongraya as Jett I'll give 5 words since this is supposed to be a short review: Caring, Protective, Possessive, and madly in love with the female lead, oops I went over limit.

Aum Patcharapa as Sophita this time I will really give 5 words: Cold, Protective, Business Minded, Family Minded and oh a professional in rejecting Jett's feelings. (Just so you know there is a good 10 episodes where she decides that she likes the male lead, while he falls first in episode 5 or you think of it as 1 LOL).

Both of them have done the best, of course many Aum lakorns aren't subbed but she is the queen of lakorns in Thailand I don't know how well she acted in other lakorns but to this day I consider this as her best lakorn and Mik's as his best and my favorite, along with their best performance to date of what I saw with them. Mik thongraya is my second favorite actor in Thailand, and Aum is one of my favorite actresses due to this lakorn, that's how much chemistry lasts.

I don't think anyone could replace their chemistry and they are my top OTP in lakorn land and one of my top's in all of Asian drama land.

Supporting characters did what did they, gave us relief since there were many intense moments here. The villain's were stiff although I'd say Rawin did make a impact on me with his acting, and the twist to the villain is great. Rin did a great job as well.

Even after this airing in 2020, and now 2021 I still think this has a very unique plot, I LOVE IT! Hmu if you find something like this.

There were many sweet moments between the leads and I would say this did really focus on romance but with a touch of the action with the side. Jett imo, is a very twistable character so if you get annoyed or fearful of him at the start, understand that he is nothing compared with normal lakorn male leads, despite the forceful kisses and there isn't rape here although a uncomfortable almost willing.

The music is chef's kiss like the lakorn is, the title song represents the lakorn. The song by Nam Kula I had it on repeat, the first one just showed that Jett felt like he was in a one sided love waiting and waiting for the Sophita, and I outright loved it. The song by Lula shows Sophita's wavering in hate from love and I loved it.

This has a happy ending and I don't want to spoil more I already gave off plent.

Watch this give this a try, it's my favorite lakorn it can become yours too. There's nothing wrong with trying this, I mean I even made a review twice you can see my dedication into getting you to watch this, and usually Moonlight is the laziest person on earth.

I've rewatched this about 30 times so far and yes I'm crazy, I feel shy admitting this, I need wine now. The rewatch value is high for me and the chemistry doesn't die down EVER, oh and this has steamy kisses in lakorn world where we get half as**d kisses.

Have a glass of vodka because the starting is very hyped up and enjoy watching!

(Wait this got too long, OH SORRYZ (it was supposed to be short at first T-T)

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