Completed
Keep Running Season 8
9 people found this review helpful
Aug 17, 2020
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Keep Running is honestly just a staple favorite for me, watched since the very beginning seasons and will always continue watching as it comes out! I've been through switches of different casts, (will always love the main beginning cast with Deng Chao, Lu Han, Chen He, Zu Lan) but LOVE the new casts too! Season 7 had some amazing and funny people, and this season did not disappoint.

The topics for each episode were on point and super relatable to our everyday current lives whether or not you're a celebrity/idol/actor/actress/singer, etc. The cast was unbelievably funny and shared the same family type vibes that we continue to see every season. Shoutout to the OG trio (Zheng Kai, Li Chen and Angelababy) that are still around, they keep the spirit alive and continuing with new cast members. Hehehe love Kun Kun, watched him since his Idol Producer days and was so happy to see him a part of this cast. The guests for this season was also so awesome!! Just loved this season, 10/10 and so sad that it's already over!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Love Is Highly
9 people found this review helpful
by ASTER
Jul 4, 2025
77 of 77 episodes seen
Completed 8
Overall 8.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

✨A Beautiful Love Story, Pure and Undistracted✨

⊹₊˚ଘ♡ଓ 𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝐼 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒲𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 ♡⋆。˚

I clicked on this drama because of Ben Wang. There's something captivating about his aura, and I truly enjoy his acting. He has a screen presence that instantly pulls you in, so I was curious to see how he'd bring this character to life.

★·˚ ༘ 𝑀𝓎 𝐹𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝐼𝓂𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃 ⋆˚₊

From the very first scene, it was clear that both characters were strong and carried a unique charm. Together, they created a powerful and captivating aura , charming, confident, and effortlessly attractive. It instantly felt like the beginning of a beautiful love story.

꒰ঌ 🌸 𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒜𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 🌸 ໒꒱

This drama gets everything right style, makeup, hairstyles, costumes, direction, screenplay, writing, and lighting. The scene setups and lighting perfectly complement each other, making every moment more vivid and aesthetically impactful.

I really liked how the male lead (ML) treats the female lead (FL) he cherishes her like a child, with care and gentleness. The FL is portrayed as a pampered, slightly spoiled, yet innocent character who knows exactly when to show attitude and how to use her charm. She carries herself with grace and confidence.

One of the best parts is how naturally the leads connect. Their bond develops in a very genuine, realistic way. The ML is a reserved, introverted person who doesn’t express much verbally, but his actions speak volumes. They both try to in relation , and the two have great communication. There are no misunderstandings between them, and they share a strong rapport.

Their dynamic gives the feeling that the ML is more mature almost like an elder figure and the FL is the younger one being lovingly pampered. It’s written in a way that shows a nurturing, affectionate relationship, which is a beautiful element to highlight.

Both characters have strong, grounded personalities. They are not swayed by emotions or situations they remain composed and true to themselves.

The family background in the story is also portrayed positively, which adds warmth. As for the villains, they hardly have any real impact. Their roles appear briefly at the beginning and end, and they’re so minimal that they don’t feel like actual antagonists more like background noise.

Another thing I appreciated is that around 90% of the screen time is focused on the ML and FL . This keeps the narrative tight and centered on their relationship without unnecessary subplots. For a viewer who just wants to enjoy a wholesome love story between two well-matched leads, this is definitely a plus.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ 🕊️ 𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒟𝒾𝓈𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝒜𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝐼𝓉 🕊️ ˖ ࣪⭑

In some scenes the dress has been repeated which would distract the attention from the story because this would indicate that those scenes were probably shot on one day.

The editing was off at some places. Some scenes are cut or missing, so the scenes are jumped.

One scene which seemed off to me was the model who was accusing the dress of being spoilt, at least the production should have given a high quality dress to wear so that scene seemed genuine. The dress she was wearing was of low quality, which any extra character is wearing or the background people.

Does ML keep teleporting us which reaches nowhere, there is no explanation for this.

In some places, it felt like the voice was coming from a mic or a studio, and it sounded a bit off or unnatural.

I did not understand one explanation. ML says that he knows that FL loves him from before. But the explanation he gave is "that FL was drunk and in that state FL kissed him and told him the password of her bank account"" how will it be known from this that she loves him, that's weird. But here the director, writer and screen play made a mistake.

♡₊˚ 🪽 𝒪𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 ˚₊♡

Despite a few minor flaws, this is a really good drama, and I chose to overlook those issues because the core of the story is so strong. It has no toxicity, no third-party interference, and the family dynamics are positive and supportive. The villains have no significant role they appear briefly and don’t impact the main storyline much.

This drama is entirely focused on the two leads and how they build, grow, and nurture their relationship. It’s a beautiful and wholesome love story, perfect for anyone who wants to watch a drama that revolves solely around the main couple, without unnecessary subplots getting in the way.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Mhom Ped Sawan
9 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2025
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

The story of closeted lesbians in ancient history

Unlike many historical dramas that dive into politics and betrayal, Mhom Ped Sawan takes a refreshing turn of exploring the issue of เล่นเพื่อน, or ‘len pheuan'. This term translates to ‘playing with friends’ that refers to the intimate female companion or, in easy words, the lesbianism. Set in the 18th-century Rattanakosin era, this series follows a typical template of Thai historical drama with some politics, strong misogyny and sexism, but with a sapphic and gay twist. For those unfamiliar, ‘Mhom Ped Sawan’ is an ancient story penned by Khun Suwan, a well-known poet from that time.

The series takes a wider look at how same-sex relationships were perceived and accepted in that time period, along with the complexities of love across different social classes, particularly within the palace walls and its social circles. It also highlights the presence of LGBT allies during that era. While the series is more focused on drama, it still has some interesting moments of romance and the tension that come with it. But with 30 episodes, some plots are a bit draggy and repetitive.

One worth noting feature of this series is its skillful incorporation of Thai culture throughout the plots. The elements of poetry, literature, dance and play, cuisine, and palace etiquette are beautifully represented through the characters and their arcs.

When it comes to acting, all the cast members did a fantastic job. If there's one problem, it's Film and Tubtim’s chemistry. While their individual performances are good, their on-screen chemistry isn’t strong enough. Some scenes come off as a bit detached and lack the warmth you'd expect from lovers. In contrast, Princess Vilas and Khun Suwan's chemistry stand out more. Their companionship is endearing, and even though they’re not romantically linked, their dynamic is way more fulfilling than Mom Kham and Mom Sud.

This series has a good production quality and stays consistent from the first episode all the way through. But one drawback, in my opinion, is the use of camera angles and certain framing for the kiss and intimate scenes between Mom Kham and Mom Sud rather than showcasing the real kiss/performances. I wonder if this was done for the actresses' comfort, perhaps due to their inexperience with such scenes, (which I doubted that was the case), or if it was the director's choice or the channel's restriction. But regardless, it really detracts from the authenticity and believability of their relationship and undermines the emotional depth of their characters.

Despite its LGBTQ+ theme, it’s quite noticeable that this series is crafted through a hetero lens. But taking into account the cultural context, the time and place setting, and the target audience of ThaiPBS, the overall execution is quite good. While certain aspects of the storyline may falter, it’s still a good drama for those who like historical drama with less complicated palace politics.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Old Woman with the Knife
9 people found this review helpful
18 days ago
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Deconstructing the myth of the invincible killer with the raw reality of an aging body

When action heroes grow old – what remains?
In the case of Pa-gwa: This is NOT a late-career revenge drama. It is an anti-myth. The KMovie Pa-gwa fundamentally challenges the conventions of the action genre.

The title Pa-gwa (파과) is a clever play on words. In Korean, it refers on one hand to "bruised fruit" that is no longer fit for sale. On the other hand, it historically signifies an age (16 for women, 64 for men) marking the end of one's "prime."

At the heart of the film is Lee Hye-young, delivering a masterful performance as Hornclaw through sheer presence and minimalism. While many praise her as a "strong woman," her true power lies in being overlooked. Hornclaw is not stylized as a superhero; she is a woman who exists at the edges of the frame, rarely heroized in frontal shots. She is a character becoming increasingly invisible—socially, physically, and cinematically.

The film treats this invisibility not as a deficit, but as a societal reality. An old woman who is overlooked, ignored, and underestimated—that is precisely what makes her dangerous. The message: A society that ignores older women creates its own formidable adversaries.

The movie consistently breaks with action clichés: there are no "cool" weapons or heroic fight choreography. The battles are grueling, often messy, making mistakes. Here, violence is not a spectacle; instead, it serves as a memory of past times and pains. It feels more lifelike and less polished.

The narrative style is equally unusual: the story remains open and incomplete, refusing simple explanations or neat moral judgments. The film does not attempt to organize violence, aging, or guilt—it simply endures them. This feels more honest, reflecting a real life that isn't always logical or conclusive.

But what makes the KMovie Pa-gwa so special in my eyes is its tenderness. The film takes time for quiet moments, observing the mundane with a mindful, unsentimental gaze—completely without trying to be "cool." Eventually, this is what makes it particularly powerful and human.

Pa-gwa tells the story of what happens when action figures grow old and can no longer win their battles with ease. And indeed: Lee Hye-young is the reason this film resonates so deeply and stays with you long after the credits roll.


PS:
The KMovie Pa-gwa (directed by Min Kyu-dong) is based on the acclaimed novel by Gu Byeong-mo.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Pyramid Game
9 people found this review helpful
Mar 22, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Most surprising drama of the year so far

First I would like to say that I didn't expect anything to come out of this drama. Thought this would be one of those quick watches, but the cast and director proved me wrong big time.

Pyramid Game is a worthwhile thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The drama makes it easy for viewers to invest themselves in its characters because of how varied and well-written each student is, even beyond our main leads. The drama
is also a scathing - although most definitely overly dramatized – reflection of the consequences of physical and psychological violence that takes place in supposed safe spaces, and what needs to be done to eradicate it once and for all.

Jang Da-A made a strong impression in her acting debut, and clearly was the highlight of the drama in my opinion. The mystery surrounding her intentions adds depth to her already complicated character, and intense, violent scenes of inflicting physical harm onto others are hard to look away from. The smallest of details in Da-A's facial expressions or vocal tone do not go unnoticed either – it’s these little things that keep making her characterization of the cold-blooded, apathetic narcissist that made her character feel all the more authentic. No doubt about it, Jang Da-A has a bright future ahead of her.

Kudos to the entire cast and staff. Y'all did an amazing job!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Nevertheless,
9 people found this review helpful
Aug 26, 2021
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

So slow….

Glad this was only 10 eps. It was really slow and boring through most of it. I have a few hang ups. Na Bi really set the relationship for failure from the beginning. She listened to everyone and their stories of who Jae-eon is or who and what they think he is. She had a bad relationship right before that left her with a bad attitude to begin with. If you go into a relationship with a bad attitude and not really opening up and being honest to begin with then it really is doomed. I think they both were stupid in their communication! They never said what needed to be said when they had a great opportunity to do it. It was infuriating!! So many times I wanted to stop watching because I wanted to seriously smack them upside the head. He showed her so many freaking times how he felt but she was to stupid to see it! Even in the end she still talked about how he would disappoint her again and then saw Do-hyeok and almost let go of Jae-eon’s hand. She was still wavering!! Sheesh! If this is really the reality of how young people today communicate and have a relationship I feel bad for them!

Story - so slow. It was agonizing just like a said above! It was not the best storyline for me.

Acting/Cast - the emotion was there. It was good acting. I was not disappointed in that. I was just disappointed in the story they had to work with.

Rewatch - probably not! I personally am not one for slow, boring, and poor communication shows. I like when people are honest and open. Like I said before if this is how young people date and communicate… I feel bad for them.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Chong Ming Wei
9 people found this review helpful
Nov 29, 2021
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Binge worthy show

STORY: During Qin Dynasty, a meteorite fell from sky which led some people to gain super natural powers, who are called the” Abnormalities”- Jizhong. The rulers used the power of Abnormalities for achieving great duties. But they feared that they may misuse their abilities to trouble the emperor. During the Ming dynasty, a department called “Chong Ming Wei” was created to exterminate Abnormalities.
The abnormalities may have 9 kinds of super powers- “Fu Jiu You”.
I watched this drama in Rakuten viki, which in my opinion has best subtitles and translation, but I felt some of the words weird, so I am mentioning them here in case you couldn’t follow them. Also, I could only understand a few of them.
The super powers:
1. The dark clap of thunder- ability to kill target by discharging electricity.
2. Cloud and feather space- levitation.
3. Abstract law of collection- THE ABILITY TO TOUCH A CORPSE AND HEAR THE LAST SOUNDS THE DECEASED HEARD BEFORE DYING.
4. Connected imitation- the ability to impose the fears, an abnormality has, onto normal people and make them hallucinate.
5. Peach blossom spring- ability to make other abnormalities abilities momentarily ineffective.
6. Giver of life: ability to quickly heal external injuries.

This drama revolves around male lead’s investigation about Ting ji case (Zhang cha- an Abnormality- tried to assassinate the crown prince) that happened 10 years ago. He tries to find the truth and mystery about that case.
It has more fantasy elements than crime and investigation.

The pacing of story is good, no dragging. First half of the drama is very cool, with lots of fun but the last episodes have a bit of melodrama.

ACTOR’S PERFORMANCE: To be honest, there isn’t much scope for actors to exhibit their talent. Only the male lead has got a long screen time and he steals the show with his hilarious expressions.

EFFECTS: I felt this as a low budget drama, the effects aren’t very appealing, but I appreciate the crew’s efforts.

My verdict: This a 24 episode bingewatch worthy drama, with each episode having a duration of less than 25 minutes, if you skip intro and outro. I recommend you to watch it if you want a story not so intense and not so foolish either..
Finally, don’t miss the ramblings of the actors at the end of each episode, they are funny.

The crew announced that there is going to be a season 2 for this drama and I will watch it definitely.



Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Now, We Are Breaking Up
9 people found this review helpful
Jan 8, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

I have less expectations but I actually enjoyed it!

What I love:
-Young Eun, Chi Sook and Mi Sook’s friendship.

-The FL and ML serendipitous love story. I love how the writer made it look like the leads are meant to be but not meant to be. WTH. The coincidences from the past that made their red string strong but love isn’t always easy.

-Fashion, Business- it’s one of those kdramas that didn’t bore me when they were just all talking about business. Some kdramas are boring when it comes to business part but this one entertained me.

-President Hwang- I super love his character. I love him as Chi Sook’s dad, as The One president and just his Character.

-I also love the OST!!!

What hurts me the most:
Is that how ML and FL are both trying to hold on and also trying to break up. The most painful thing is that they both love each other but the world seem to disagree.

What I hate:
-The mothers.
Jae Guk’s mom, I don’t hate her because she doesn’t want to support the FL and ML. I just hate her reasoning.
Young Eun’s mom, I hate the fact that it’s like she’s blaming Young Eun and her husband for living the life she chose. She did nothing but blame other people for what she is right now.
-Soo Wan- a jerk, two timer, drunk driver. But no one speak ill about him because he’s dead. I also hate the fact that people can’t get over him.

Additional things I love:
There were a lot of heart warming scenes that made me cry. Mi Sook’s condition made this drama and the friendship special. I also liked it when Chi Sook told her Dad that she doesn’t want to lose her friend because of him. And the scene when President Hwang said that Young Eun is like a daughter to him was just so touching.

The ending?
It wasn’t as satisfying as they really resolved none about the FL and ML love story. However, FL and ML proved that maybe, just maybe, two people can love each other even if they’re not together. And saying goodbye is not really the end. And that we can be happy by doing the things we love and by thinking of the people we love.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Dear Warrior
9 people found this review helpful
by maya
Feb 2, 2020
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers
It's Maya back with another overly typed out review! Overall, I really enjoyed this drama! It's entertainment value is good, but I just thought it was too long. After I go into details, I'll give you two ways to watch My Dear Warrior based on what kind of drama you want to watch.

First, I want to go into what I really liked about My Dear Warrior. The reason I watched this series, to begin with, was because I saw Oab was in it. I'm a big fan of Oab, and the fact that he is portraying a cartoon character come to life and he just walks around in a kick-butt outfit the whole time... SIGN ME UP. I was also intrigued by the concept of cartoon characters coming into the real world and seeing what they will do.
2019 was really the year of characters from another world or time coming to our modern-day period and adjusting. One of the best parts of this series was seeing how Luna, Hoshi, and Kairo reacted to the real world. Finding out that Hoshi had no idea what normal bodily functions were was just hilarious and so unique.
There were some amazing action scenes, but the lack of them was one of the weaknesses. If you are looking for romance, the romance scale is through the roof on this series. There are also some hilarious side characters that are actually useful for once.

Alright, time for the dirt. As much as I love a good romantic drama, My Dear Warrior may have gone a little too crazy with the romance. As I said before, there are not a lot of action scenes throughout the series and those scenes are filled with a lot of staring into each other's eyes while the instrumental version of the theme song plays in the background. Of course, if that's what you want, then you're set!
The reason I gave the story a 7.5 is because it was just too long with not enough risk. You gotta admit that no good drama has a romance with no imminent threat lurking in the background just ready to pounce on our fragile hearts.. In My Dear Warrior, there are four risks that exist: Hoshi's romance with Luna, the evil beyond evil villain, the fact that Hoshi, Luna, and Kairo are cartoon characters and they have to disappear at some point, and something about a full moon. While all of these risks are mentioned throughout the series, the biggest threat to Hoshi and Sky's romance is him going back in the book. The other risks really do not have any importance even though the series wants you to think that they are. And like seriously what is that thing about the full moon, cause like they never come back to that, do they?

Alright, enough of that! Now you're wondering how you should watch My Dear Warrior. I'll cut to the chase:
1. If you want a nice drama filled with romance, action, and magic... Watch episodes 1-10, skip 11-14, and then watch episodes 15-20. You're not really missing anything in episodes 11-14.
2. If you want more of a romantic punch with your sprinkle of action, then watch all the way through.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Flat Girls
9 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2025
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

I'm so happy to watch it, finally!!
It's the kind of atmosphere I like a lot. The story was heartbreaking and even thought the ending is sad, I liked it!

I really love what GDH release usually and this movie does not deviate from the rule!
I think there a lot of thing I missed so I'll rewatch it. Because there is some question unresolved I think (or it's suppose to be sub-text or whatever it's called)
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River
9 people found this review helpful
Apr 7, 2018
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
Being the first Korean movie I've watched in my time, Seondal: The Man who Sold the River had a lot to live up to. I had high expectations, told by my friends that Korean movies had a certain charm to them within their storytelling. Of course, being a fan of EXO, I decided to start with Seondal, with the guest star of Kim Minseok [Xiumin], who played Gyeon.

From the start of Seondal, I found myself hypnotised. The storyline played out beautifully, fully capturing your attention from the start. With a harrowing beginning of war and loss, it's hard not to feel for the characters at the start. The first thing I noticed was Seungho Yoo, playing the main character - Kim Inhong aka Kim Seondal. His acting as our main character shows within the first few minutes as his honourable character begins with his protective nature and charm. Seungho really creates a character that is likeable from the beginning - even though we know Inhong is written out and scripted, Seungho brings a truly amazing feeling to the character and truly makes Inhong his own.
Following on from Seungho as Inhong, there is also Kim Minseok as Gyeong. An idol that I have grown to be quite fond of over the past year, Gyeong was a character that I was very much looking forward to meeting in this film, and my expectations were definitely not let down. Kim Minseok brings to Gyeong a side of the character that felt playful, but still serious. Along with his own heroic and honourable actions, it's hard not to fall in love with this misshapen small family of crooks.

The storyline itself of family, loss, and revenge truly shows the spirit of this film. A storyline that's often overdone in a lot of genres and in many countries nowadays, this film truly brings to light how it all connects together. It's been a while since I watched a film about family and it was as connected and well done as Seondal is. There's a connection between all the characters, and as well done as the film has been made, it's obvious that they all had a lot of fun filming it. When you can see this, I believe it truly makes the film even better, showing that the actors truly enjoyed themselves.

Overall, this film truly has a lot of charm to it. With its mix of comedy but yet darker storylines, innocence and the ruining of innocence, and the reminder of war throughout, this touched my heart in ways I never expected this film to do. I found throughout this I felt every emotion that the producers wanted us to, and I found myself in tears numerous times. If you've never watched a Korean film before - I recommend this is your first one. If you are looking for another film to watch, I recommend this. It's a work of art, and I will definitely be watching this plenty more times in the future.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
White Lies
9 people found this review helpful
by GynGyn
Mar 11, 2012
159 of 159 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This was a drama that I had originally dropped a few years ago after about 2 or 3 episodes and gave score of only 4. I even skipped to the end and watched the final, but it really bugged me that I didn't really KNOW the story. I am writing this after just watching the last episode and WOW just WOW. YES it was long and hard to get through sometimes the main female lead said "I'm Sorry" so many times I wanted to smack her.
They made her character so "blah" that by the time she gains a little backbone you don't care and hardly notice.


I have never watched a drama that kept me saying "What the heck could happen after X, Y and Z!" and yet something always did. I spent many a late night telling myself just one more part then i'll go to bed just one more! There were times when I said, ok they could end this now and I would be happy or yeah they can't do any more to these people lets end it now. One crazy thing is that I feel they could have added a few more episodes to close a few gaps they had to give the story full closure.


I would never re-watch this so I can't give it a 10 but I don't feel it was a waste to watch,
If you really don't think you could handle watching such a long series watch about 10 episodes every two weeks (but if your like me you will be hooked after 10) The main male lead Kim Tae Hyun (I find his name as Jin Tae Huyn as well ) should have gotten a Grand Bell (even though it's for movies) I don't know why he doesn't appear as the lead in more dramas this man has talent you notice the growth and development of this character!


The music wore on my nerves, 159 times hearing the same song not a surprise there were other "tunes" but the main song they played just didn't move or reach me it just had the emotional sound to tie with the drama. Overall I gave it an 8 because some of the characters and subplots were just not to my cup of tea. I would watch another drama by the writer(s) if i haven't already, though at this moment I don't think I could handle another one this long.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Longest Day in Chang'an
9 people found this review helpful
by Wenxia
Jul 17, 2021
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Something is rotten in the state of Tang...

I started this drama on a dare with myself. I mean, who makes a 48-freaking-episode drama set in one city over the course of just 24 hours?! Well the joke is on me, cause I just spent a week binging this show.

The first half is a thoroughly engaging mystery/action joyride and a feast for the eyes, featuring explosive horse cart chases and parkour on lantern-lit rooftops. We get to explore this marvel of a mediaeval city, while dragged on an immersive and spectacular journey from the highest seat of power to the darkest underbelly - meeting on the way a gallery of people who were made or broken by it. Action/superheroes/comics lovers will find a lot to keep their interest here, with the all-powerful boss of the underworld that likes to play cruel mind games, Wolven squad with a set of fantastical beliefs, parkour-loving prince of Persia and an unbreakable superhero Zhang Xiaojing who can win against any odds:D

The second half though wasn't an easy watch for me, as the heavy choices that the characters had been forced to make earlier in the day, started to catch up to them. It was actually quite refreshing not to care as much about the protagonists and sympathise with the troublemakers. Too many shows nowadays lead the audience by the hand, telling us who are the good guys that we should root for… Here, we get to see everyone's humane and inhumane sides, and most of them get to say their piece before the end… And they actually have a code of morals that fit the times! Not like the recently prevalent modern-day thinking people wearing costumes. By the end, the script started to gnaw on its own tail a bit though, with a few too many twists, confrontations and unlikely outcomes. It slightly muddled the characters' motivations and relationships.

In short, the mood and pace of the storytelling differs a lot between the two halves of this show. The first one is gripping and exhilarating, while the second one takes its time to peel the layers off characters, schemes and past events. In any case, this show is well worth watching as a visual masterpiece with authentic feel, memorable characters, unique plot points and one sexy villain in Zhou Yiwei's Long Bo;) Highly recommended for history and art lovers!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Vagabond
9 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

The action drama you've been waiting for

Spoilers alert:
Loved; the action, seriously the opening episode is explosive but the fight choreography all the way through was excellent and I loved how it used Dal Geon's background as a stunt man to make the action more interesting.
Loved; the chemistry of the leads but also the fact that the story didn't focus on romance. So many 'action' dramas turn into never ending 'will they won't they' mushy love-fests, this doesn't and it's better for it.
Loved; the constant revelations, cliff hangers and double crosses. Makes for very exciting viewing. Have to say the 'ultimate baddy' is not hard to guess as they are hiding in plain sight but getting to that reveal was hella fun.
Loved; the badass women. Instead of watching love sick women get bossed about by men it was great to see the women (whether good or bad) be victorious in the face of doubters or just being super villains.
Disliked: I'd like to say nothing, but I can't decide if I loved the ending or need more. My main complaint about most non k-dramas is that they go on for 5 years and the story never really gets resolved...so if it ends here I will be happy and still give 10/10 but I would watch a hypothetical season 2 in a heartbeat.
Neutral comment: I know ALL dramas have product placement but it was particularly un- subtle in this, not that it affects me really...anyway, I'm off to get a Subway wearing my Lancôme lipstick.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Love Shuffle
9 people found this review helpful
by Sutera
Nov 3, 2013
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
I watched Love Shuffle after Liar Game simply because I was very interested in Matsuda Shota's performance as Akeyama and wished to see him in another role. Also it came after the movie Tada Kimi wo Aishiteru with Tamaki Hiroshi. I consider Love Shuffle one of my best j-drama choices of all times.
First thing that impressed me was the idea - something rather unique and unexpectedly well mixed. The first encounter of the four neighbours is one of my most favorite in the whole show. Because it naturally leads to the second best thing in this drama for me - the dialogues. Witty and fun and natural.
Acting was the third part of the show that made it the most re-watchable of all the dramas I've seen yet so far. (In fact it's a tie between Love Shuffle and Liar Game...)Everyone suited their parts and was likable in their own way. I believed in their stories and saw them as fully fledged humans not just characters in a script.
The thing that surprised me most was the fact that this drama was not a sweet romance with flowery and dramatic declarations of eternal love but a realistic down to earth life story of eight different people with different lives and ways of thinking and acting. Not fluffy, just steady and smart. Even if you're not a fan of romance, you may find enjoyable the relationships and dynamics among the characters simply because this story has so much more to it than romance.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?