Reviews

This was surprisingly good. I’ve watched a few Japanese dramas and many of them had a soft spoken female that is naive or the overly domineering male but this was was completely different. It was short, sweet, realistic and so warm. I literally smiled when it ended, with the awwww.

Left at the alter or female lead holds her head up and keeps moving. Finding love years later who not only loves her but also is willing to make a small sacrifice to give her heart peace. This was so cute.

This is definitely a lighthearted romance with a little added comedy. It incorporates work, family and love and it felt great.

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People are not white and black, we are gray

Any kind of love rivalry is a very common theme in all sorts of works of fiction. Even love triangle and brothers going against each other, be it for love or other things. This means that the plot and story must be really good for the series to do well, for the series to really shine. Sadly, the plot and storyline are where Double Savage falls short.

Korn: His father hates him and is abusive towards him while his mother enables him to do so. I know she is supposed to really love him, but the fact that she just stood by and did nothing? Yeah, doesn’t really make her a good character in my books. His two siblings do try, but they cannot really do much unless they want the same treatment. He is an incredibly strong, smart and independent character, but his family obligations and love know no limits. Even at his own expenses. Ohm did exceptionally, he truly shined in the role of Korn. The action scenes were great, yes, but the emotional ones? He really portrayed so many emotions through his eyes. Him being calm and mad at the same time was done so well.

Win: I really wanted to like him, and I did at the start of the series. And after that, it all went downhill. I don’t even know if I can believe that he at some point truly loved Korn as a brother should. His actions in the second part of the series show his true colors and they make me question everything I have thought about him. I think his upbringing as the golden child of the family really showed. He felt the pressure his father put on him, yes, but he was also led by the idea of being better than everyone. Perth played Win so well. The scenes where Win and Korn are going against one another had be on the edge of my seat. Especially the way Perth played Win.

Rung: The girl has absolutely no redeeming qualities. She made playing the victim her whole personality. She messed things up for everyone, multiple times, and caused troubles for herself and even more to others, yet she went and blamed everyone else but herself. Boo-hoo, go cry in the corner and see if anyone cares. She was manipulative and selfish, and she only truly cared about herself. I must give it to Film, it’s hard to make me hate a character this much, but she did a great job. I really loved how she controlled her emotions and her micro expressions in many scenes.

The whole love triangle between the two brothers and Rung was done very poorly. The way brotherly rivalry was written into the plot was not exactly great either. As I said, this is a very popular trope, so it really needs to be done well. Which it wasn’t. It made very little sense how extreme Win’s reactions were at certain scenes, especially after the later revelations. And his double standards for Korn and everyone else? I am disappointed with how they decided to resolve all of this in the end too. Especially the whole Rung situation.

Li was probably my favorite character in the whole series. She truly loved her brothers, equally and unconditionally. Even when they were acting like idiots, she stood by them and supported them in any way she could. She is brave and loyal, she is caring and supportive. I could really relate to her.

I also really liked both Ah and Mek as well. The two might have been criminals, but they had good hearts. They cared not only about themselves but about everyone around them and their whole community. Even if their community turned their backs on them on certain occasions. I even liked uncle Wit. I really enjoyed how calm Korn seemed when he was around him. He is truly at peace while around him.

The rival gang – who were they? Where did they come from? What did they want? What was their end goal? No one knows because they showed up and left with no explanation. Which is another plot hole.

There were some plot twists that I did not expect. While some made sense and really fit into the story, there was also a lot of them that just didn’t make any sense. Or really lacked background information that would make us understand them better.

I think the acting was the only thing that saved this series for me. I think all the actors did an amazing job in the roles they were given. And yes, even those who played characters I disliked. I hated the characters, not the actors. The plot was… what even was the plot? I feel like the reasons behind what happened were not solid or made clear. Another thing is the ending… why? Just why? Redemption arc is something that should be given to characters who deserve it. And not everyone does.

If there is one thing that the series showed well is how people are not white and black, we are gray. No one is completely good, and no one is completely bad, but we are a mix of good and bad.

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It's been a while since I watched this one, but I'll submit some thoughts anyway.
STORY: I really enjoyed the plotline of this one. While it is somewhat similar to the Samee Tee Tra 3-husband thing, the similarities really end there.
The plot is very different. There really aren't very many detective lakorns (at least that I've seen) out there, so this one has a refreshing premise.
HOORAY FOR NO LAKORN STEREOTYPES!!! There's no crazy ex-girlfriend, no stupid misunderstandings between characters, and a super cute romance between Pope and Mew.
The plotline is simply adorable, well-written, well-paced, and consistent. Plus, it's funny.
ACTING/CAST: Really can't go wrong with Pope and Mew. The supporting cast also worked really well together, and didn't overact everything like supporting casts usually do.
Pope almost made me cry when he did his crying scenes. His comedic timing is great, but then he gets to the emotional scenes, and I just wanted to reach through the screen and give him a big hug.
MUSIC: Fun and light, nothing super remarkable.
REWATCH VALUE: I'd watch it again when I need a light and fun drama to balance out all the dramatic ones.
I highly recommend this drama for anyone who wants a light, funny, and non-frustrating drama. And for anyone who loves Pope :)

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I started watching this because it's mystery and murder, but little did I know that I wouldn't be able to watch it at night since I would be too scared. Although, I would say, rather than the story being scary, it was the way they edited and filmed, as well as the actors' acting that made it so suspenseful and creepy (in a way).

Nonetheless, it was exactly because of the suspense that I enjoyed this show. Did suspect someone from the start but the ending was really unexpected. However, had to deduct some points from the fact that parts of the mystery were still unsolved and unexplained. Though, I figured they probably left those to be explained in season 2.

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I actually give this drama a 7.5/10, but it's not quite 8 material so a 7 it is. I finished watching this series a few weeks ago, so it has had time to settle in.

The story was wonderful and I was loving every aspect of it until about halfway through. It caught my attention immediately with a refreshing premise of a man and woman who both have emotion problems that serve as both a foundation and conflict for their romance. The drama delved into the psychological disturbances of its characters and had a promising tale to tell. Unfortunately, it abandoned these essential issues, instead taking a familiar approach of having a jealous second lead provide unnecessary tension that lasted for too many episodes. All of my disappointment with this drama lies within this choice the writer made. As not to spoil anything, I will just say the direction it took felt very unnatural.

Altogether, though, the story was enjoyable. The acting was very good, though not extraordinary. The actors delivered their lines in a believable manner. This was my introduction to both leads, so I didn't have any expectations from either, and was pleased with their performance. Overall, this drama was good, though it had potential to be great, and I would recommend it to anyone who's not sure of it.

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Adorable Fluff

The slowest burning prettiest little emotional support supermarket advertisement ever to drop into our feeds. Or even, frankly, to exist at all. We did not deserve Ingredients, but we got it anyway, and it was CHARMING. It came from the retail side and it conquered our mushy pre-packaged hearts. Did anything actually happen in Ingredients? Nope. Do we care? Nope.

Ingredients also wins my best trope execution award for "Let Me Sing You My Feelings" for Ep 16. The number of emotions that cross Win’s face in the course of two songs while he watches Tops flirt with someone else is insane. Win keeps singing yet you see him go through an entire identity crisis - realization of love, jealousy, fear, adoration, loss, and more. It’s brilliant. And Jeff’s voice is crazy good. Even if you aren’t a fan of this series, you owe it to yourself to watch this episode.

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This is the kind of drama that my poor heart needs to keep its path! If you are a suffer like me, you gonna need something like this to full your heart with joy and silly love <3

I just love this story! In many ways, this reminds me a lot of "What's wrong with Secretary Kim?" and not just because of Park Min Young. The crazy and funny edition, the jokes and exaggerating characteristics of the characters... Everything was amazing for me! Starting for our female lead, Sung Duk Mi was captivating! Her passion and the way how she maintains her personality during all the process made me love Park Min Young even more. Every drama with this woman makes me satisfied! She is a beauty (undeniable fact) but her charism makes her compatible with every male lead. I thought that I never would be able to overcome her and Park Seo Jun, but here she is also perfect with Kim Jae Wook. Here I left my note: Why this man doesn't participate in more funny dramas? He is amazing with this! I was searching for him and realized that he is in many thrillers and horror dramas, but I laugh so much with him that I couldn't imagine him being scary. The character of Ryan Gold was a masterpiece for me. A man who just loves a woman knowing everything about her and respecting her, without trying to change anything about her behavior. I had chills when I saw him protecting Duk Mi's passion as if was his passion too. THIS IS A MAN! And making a big note here: WHAT A CHEMISTRY! These two just set fire together!

About some things that I don't like... The Eun Gi (Ahn Bo Hyun) plot. It wasn't awful, but I'm a little tired of this kind of friend that appears just to make a twist in the story but you know that don't go anywhere. It's a waste of time for me. I also wish that the "fan thing" had a bigger space in the story. The plot is about Duk Mi hiding her passion and how this affects her life but kinda fades away with the process. But I'm just trying hard to point bad things here.

We see a lot of traumas and childhood issues in dramas like this, and we saw something very similar in "What's wrong with Secretary Kim?" (yes, I'll keep comparing), but here I could felt the things fitting with more fluidness. The story is equally "no way" when we think about everything that happens, and I can't imagine any of them happens in real life, but here I could believe a little more and wasn't so absurd. Also very impossible, but not absurd.

This is not a real-life drama but does its job. It's funny, VERY CUTE, made me cry... It was just AMAZING! (★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★) If you are looking for something to wash your dark heart and expel every bad feeling, this is your drama! Go for it!

See you soon!
XOXO, Mari.

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Remembering the pain of the past.

A quiet, slow and beautifully shot movie about an aspiring manga artist in search of inspiration who finds meaningful connections to the past.

Ring Wandering doesn't only explore the subject of loneliness and personal relationships, it also highlights the importance of not forgetting the past. It's a movie that slowly reveals its different layers and leaves room for interpretation. What stood out to me the most were the visuals of this movie. The gorgeous nature shots, especially at the beginning and the end of the story.

While I did appreciate the atmospheric nature shots, the narrative would have benefitted from a shorter length. Some parts are too slow without adding any value to the story. I didn't mind it as much since I enjoy slow movies, it's still something that you should be aware of going into it. In an effort to convey universal messages, it neglects the connection of the audience to its main characters, which made me feel pretty indifferent towards them.

Ring Wandering is a serene movie with gorgeous cinematography and an almost meditative atmosphere. I genuinely appreciated the different themes it explored and its subtle depiction of loneliness, showing that even the smallest connections between people can go a long way.

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When heaven and hell collide

Tengoku to Jigoku: Psychona Futari is a body-swap drama that focuses on the central characters of a female police detective and a suspected serial killer, and what happens after they “switch bodies''. With their roles now reversed, from the pursuer to the pursued and vice versa, how will both characters deal with the aftermath? Will justice somehow prevail or will the serial killings continue? And will these two characters revert to their original selves before the story ends? These are the questions that will be answered as the story unfolds in what has been an intriguing roller coaster of emotions.

This TBS “Sunday Theater” production is co-directed by Yuichiro Hirakawa (Tenno no Ryoriban, Tonbi, JIN), Takahiro Aoyama (Grand Maison Tokyo), and Aya Matsuki (Hanzawa Naoki, Tokyo MER). The story is based on the original screenplay by Yoshiko Morishita, who has written for many well-known dramas such as JIN 1 & 2, Tonbi and Tenno no Ryoriban, among many others. The prolific composer Yu Takami (BG: Personal Bodyguard, Library War, Ichiro) serves as music director. The 1st movement Allegro con brio of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (Fate) is used as the opening theme where the famous motive recurs throughout the drama.

The concept of the body swap is based on the Japanese myth of the Moon and the Sun that originates from Kagoshima and Amami Oshima, where legend has it that “the moon was supposed to be the sun and the sun was supposed to be the moon" in a dark twist of fate that changed the positions of the two entities forever. Interestingly in the drama, the body swap actually takes place during a full moon.

This drama attracted much attention on MDL last year and I can finally comprehend why. The hype is truly justified, so much so that it had garnered a number of accolades including the 24th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix with Leading Actress Award for Haruka Ayase and the 107th Television Drama Academy Awards with Leading Actress Award for Haruka Ayase and Supporting Actor Award for Issei Takahashi.

What I Liked

The acting is truly phenomenal, as reflected by the awards won. The thing with body swap stories is that the role reversals have got to be very well executed, otherwise the entire concept would fall flat. Fortunately that is not the case here and the portrayals by both leads are absolutely on another level, particularly that of Takahashi Issei. How he switched personalities from a gender perspective and utterly assumed the personification of both distinctively disparate characterizations is remarkable beyond doubt. Seeing is believing and having witnessed the performance firsthand, I’m completely mind-blown! From the overall body language down to the intimate mannerisms and subtle quirks, Takahashi Issei killed it as both female detective Mochizuki Ayako and psychotic Hidaka Haruto.

Ayase Haruka is no less impressive herself and demonstrates a masterful display of juxtaposition between the freneticism of Mochizuki Ayako and the ultra coolness of Hidaka Haruto. Generally the more subtle of the two leads, Ayase Haruka brilliantly projects the nuanced microexpressions that convince viewers to immediately buy into the personality switch. The interactions between Takahashi Issei and Ayase Haruka are a particular joy to watch and certainly elevates the storytelling even further because they share such wonderful chemistry that adds profound depth to their characters’ dynamics.

As far as the story is concerned, there are two components to the plot - the criminal investigation and the body swap mystery. I was actually more captivated by the body swap segment, for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, the investigation aspect is quite smartly written although it isn’t a particularly inventive or refreshing take on the crime genre.That said, I do appreciate a certain unexpected twist thrown in towards the end. In fairness, this isn’t a drama that is overly complex on the uptake and it does not take itself too seriously either. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime and depictions of gore, as well as certain dramatic moments of emotionally heavy dialogues, the drama is mostly lighthearted with instances of comedic relief interspersed throughout.

From a technical perspective, the art direction and set designs are quite decently rendered. There are gorgeous vistas of the Amami Oshima filming locale on full display while I also enjoyed the costuming aspects where both leads sported rather fashionable wardrobe selections. The poignant theme song Tadaima (I’m Home), beautifully performed by Aoi Teshima, is one of the highlights of the drama as well.

Final Thoughts

Tengoku to Jigoku: Psychona Futari is a relatively engaging viewing experience that isn't without imperfections. Where it leaves a deep impression is through the acting of its leads. It is the one single aspect that literally blew my mind away and because of that, I won’t be forgetting the performances any time soon. If you weren’t a fan of either lead before this, you might have to change your mind after watching this drama.

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When I started to watch this drama, I gave it "7" at the beginning. The characters were older than in original story, and the first two episodes felt like "yet another 'rom-com' story". I must admit that the story grew on me very much with every episode that I watched.

The Cast was great. If you find most of main actresses annoying or 'weak' in character, in this drama you will find a different character. Role of Aibu Saki is refreshing and sweet, but definitely not annoying. I can't be objective about Mizushima Hiro, so ... for me he was as good as always. And finally - Hayami Mokomichi. He was great in depicting the robot. Of course his moves were strenghten with specific sounds but still, through the whole series he even always blinked automatically.

When it comes to music, you don't hear it much mainly because of focusing on the plot (at least that was the case for me). But Ayaka's theme song "Okaeri" has certain strenght to it, and it will definitely grow on everyone (especially combined with perfectly done visuals at the end of each episode).

After some time, I feel like I would like to come back to this title very much, and that does not happen often.

I think there is something special in many Japanese dramas. How even seemingly simple stories capture your attention, your mind, your heart. Thanks to great acting, great plot, nice theme song... Zettai Kareshi, in my opinion, is one of those memorable titles. Definitely WORTH seeing.

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Decided to watch it of course because of Jang Hyuk. Despite the slow paced storyline which seemed kinda boring to me, i was able to complete it only because of Jang Hyuk's amazing action scenes. Once again i was enthralled by his charisma. I've always wanted a protagonist like him who will be invincible ; nobody will be able to put a finger on him! The combination of martial arts skill and intelligence was topnotch. Other than that one might find it hard to keep pace with the movie as it has failed to intrigue the viewer from the very start. As a diehard Jang Hyuk fan, I am totally satisfied with his superb acting skills, i think those who are acquainted with his works must know about it. So nothing to say about it.

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I watched this movie and got the exact vibe and storyline that I was expecting from it. The actors portrayed such beautiful and touching emotion throughout the movie I was so moved. The movie highlighted the themes of future (success) and values (family and love). The message the movie sends is beautiful and so relevant and relatable to today's world. This movie was painful to watch at some scenes and it really hurt my heart for it was super heart wrenching. However, although it was obvious how things would end, it is definitely worth watching . I have not cried so much over a movie for quite a while. I am very moved. I highly recommend this movie it is one of the best :)

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What is remembered, lives.

I rarely feel compelled to write drama reviews, but I think this drama is an underrated gem of 2022, so I'd like to encourage people to watch it.

Let's first talk about romance, since I know that's what the majority of drama watchers look for. This drama is the epitome of "slight romance." The leads have a lot of chemistry, and for such a short drama without outright romance, it has skinship, tender moments, saviour moments; basically, it has the standard things that romance watchers want. Heck, it even has marriage talk. So I hope you aren't put off by others saying there's "no romance," because it's not entirely true.

Moving on to the story now. This drama, being only 12 episodes long, needs to tell a story very succinctly and focus only on the main plot. There are lots of threads that some may feel were not closed, but I have to say, I think it was quite intentional. This drama was inspired by a book of essays by a Korean public defender detailing his experiences helping the marginalized, most vulnerable members of society. It's not a drama about any character's personal life story or traumas. Its focus is on the law--how it can fail the socially disadvantaged, how it can be bent to the will of those in power. What it means to take responsibility for one's actions and choices, how heavy the burden of being wronged can weigh on people, how much it means to be listened to. So we're not here to watch Chak-hee or Si-baek's life stories. They are connected--along with other characters--to certain actions and events that have propelled them along certain trajectories in life until they came to the point where they are in the drama. We're here to see how and why that happened.

The female lead's character development is one of the most enjoyable to watch. I've already mentioned it, but the leads have a lot of chemistry, and both actors are extremely talented. From the very start, you're immersed in the mystery of how all these characters and events are connected. The episodes are very binge-worthy, because each one ends in a cliffhanger revelation. A lot of crime dramas have you asking the question "who," but in this drama, I felt the "who" was extremely obvious. My biggest question was "why."

I think the antagonists in this drama were written and acted well, because I usually have a hard time sitting through scenes of horrible people getting away with things. This drama chooses not to truly reveal the extent of horrific things that have taken place until the end. In other dramas, the frustrating thing is usually that we as viewers know something because we're already told or shown, but the characters don't know a thing. In this drama, we discover truths at almost the same pace as our female lead, alleviating the frustration.

Overall, at only 12 episodes, I think this drama is more than worth anyone's time.

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Students Fight For Their Lives Inside Of A School Overrun By Zombies

From the moment the series begins, All of Us Are Dead hooks viewers with its intense atmosphere and deeply emotional narrative. It’s more than just another zombie drama; it’s a layered story that delves into the harsh realities of adolescence, social pressures, and human resilience, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.

The show wastes no time immersing us in the daily struggles faced by its young protagonists. The South Korean educational system, infamous for its relentless academic demands, becomes the stage for a gripping tale of survival. The series sheds light on the emotional toll these pressures take, with bullying, mental health struggles, and societal neglect forming the core of the characters’ pre-apocalypse lives. This grounded realism elevates the story, making the characters’ fight for survival all the more impactful.

One of the show’s standout elements is its exploration of relationships. Each character brings unique perspectives and motives, and their interactions—whether strained, supportive, or heart-wrenching—add layers of depth to the narrative. The camaraderie, conflicts, and sacrifices they share make them feel incredibly real. You can't help but root for their survival, mourn their losses, and celebrate their small victories.

Thematically, All of Us Are Dead shines by addressing societal issues faced by youth, not just in South Korea but globally. The narrative doesn't shy away from heavy subjects like bullying, depression, and the unforgiving pressures of academic excellence. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a poignant reflection on the struggles of modern youth.

As the zombie outbreak takes hold, the series shifts into an adrenaline-fueled thriller. The chaos, desperation, and heartbreak of the students’ fight for survival are depicted with unrelenting intensity. The relentless pace, paired with exceptional storytelling, keeps you glued to the screen.

The parallels to the Covid-19 pandemic are impossible to miss. From quarantine measures to the fear of infection and the divide between personal concerns and societal demands, the series captures the uncertainty and tension of living through a global crisis. This connection makes the story even more resonant, as viewers are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of community and hope.

On the technical front, the series is a visual masterpiece. The cinematography captures both the beauty and the horror of the unfolding events. The special effects and makeup are stunning, particularly in portraying the terrifying transformation of infected individuals. Every frame feels deliberate, adding to the immersive experience.

Despite its brutal moments, the show never loses sight of its emotional core. The acts of love, friendship, and selflessness scattered throughout the series create a powerful contrast to the violence. These moments of humanity serve as the heart of the story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, compassion and connection endure.

The finale of All of Us Are Dead leaves a profound impact. Without giving away spoilers, it’s a conclusion that feels both devastating and hopeful, offering closure while leaving room for reflection. It’s a fitting end to a series that balances horror with heartfelt storytelling.

In summary, All of Us Are Dead is an unforgettable journey that combines action, emotion, and social commentary. It’s more than just a zombie drama—it’s a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of growing up in a harsh world. This series is a must-watch, not only for fans of the genre but for anyone seeking a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

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I enjoyed watching this light hearted drama. I liked the character for FL lead which is little eccentric but i like how our ML when he gets together with her, figures out her secret and supports her, in fact many times saves her. It was cute. I also found little melodramatic towards the end. Liked the comic scenes, it was weird comedy in my opinion. Story slows down a little towards the end and feels draggy but over all a light and good watch if you in mood for something light and fluffy. Pop star i found him really cute and kind hearted character. Enjoyed watching him. Kim Jae Wook and One are such eye candies. Some of their scenes together are so hilarious.

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