My Golden Blood
My Golden Blood is sweet, fun, and full of feels. Gawin as Tong is absolutely lovable, and Joss plays the perfect quiet protector. Their chemistry is so natural it had me smiling the whole time and falling for them. The “golden blood” twist adds a light fantasy vibe without overcomplicating things. It’s a short series, but the emotional moments really land. Honestly, I wish it was longer — I already miss them 💛Was this review helpful to you?
STORY: it's actually a very sad story if you think about it, even though it has some elements of comedy. I don't give a 10 just because this is too short.
ACTING: ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM! This is what I expected from my boys Krist and Singto. Their chemistry is something wonderful. Since they did a very good job with their characters on Sotus, I knew they would do good even here. They truly are amazing actors.
MUSIC: surely helps, it's great though.
REWATCH VALUE: I already rewatched this 5 times, I don't need to say anything else.
OVERALL: this absolutely deserves a 10! If they made this into a longer drama, it'd surely be one of my favorites ever. I hope they'll film more episodes.
You should watch this! Even if you don't enjoy bl that much, the acting and the story are amazing and you'll find yourself crying after 5 seconds.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's a rather strong & quirky healing drama.
The Good⌲ The acting is amazing across the board.
⌲ The leads had fantastic chemistry.
⌲ I'm just repeating myself at this point, but OMG the FL actress is just amazing. (11/10 pretty, 11/10 chic, 11/10 acting ability, similar to Jeon Jong Seo in Wedding Impossible)
⌲ In my mind the romance is 10/10.
⌲ There is a lot of wholesomeness & wholesome healing content in this drama.
⌲ The main plot is rather interesting.
⌲ The 12 episode format works well for this show. (though I would've preferred 13.. **)
The Average
⌲ The drama had some really cool superpowers, but using them in a cool way only happened like once. (Lois & Superman scene)
⌲ Adding to the previous point: The least fun use of mind reading I have ever seen
⌲ The fake fat was not great, though not horrible either.
⌲ The sister's boyfriend/marriage plot really overstayed its welcome.
⌲ I'm not entirely comfortable with the backstory about swindling/scamming, especially thinking about FL's relationship history, basically whoring herself out at the call of her "stepmother". (This leads to fun writing, but they could have made the background story less offensive without anything else degrading in quality I think.)
⌲ While 12 years old Park So Yi did an amazing job, she is completely miscast for the the high school adolescent role, she's way too young compared to her classmates, it's just jarring.
The Bad
⌲** I'm displeased about the 5 second happy ending & how it happened. (though considering where e11 was on the emotional roller coaster, I totally expected something like this to follow.)
⌲ The drama had some slow & boring moments. (admittedly not in a huge abundance)
⌲ I'm not happy about the redemption arc the stepmom has gotten. I for one don't think what she did to a child etc. is forgivable so easily.
⌲ I feel the writers pushed the chicken and egg paradox way too far.
⌲ In this drama the characters talk a lot about how abusing precognition to get lottery payouts is stealing. While technically true, I find this sentiment really silly.
⌲ ML driving his family members around with his car = awful.
⌲ Electric stovetops exist..
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This review may contain spoilers
Of Office Politics and Love
I just finished this drama. The 12 episodes are just enough to capture what's going on in Haemu - the office politics, your average employees, strict boss and even a love story. The pacing of the story, how they end each episode kept me waiting for the next and see how Haemu's story and also the characters' story transform.Thank you for casting Shin Hae Sun and Gong Myung who had delivered their parts very well. The focus on the leads gave us a closer look at how relationships in the office and outside of it transformed. Shin Hae Sun gave us that confident boss who had a facade of one that cannot be brought down. In-Ah's reputation had preceded her, so many of her subordinates had been tiptoeing around her. She can be ruthless but reasonable. She learned what teamwork means later and became their 'fortress' later when she learned what work means to them. I think this is quite a transformation for In-Ah, especially when she fell in love with Ki-Jun. Ki-Jun's perspective had made her re-think her choices and learned to let in other people into her life.
Ki-Jun may be a very by-the-books guy when it comes to his work. He felt he should be promoted but when transferred to another team felt demoted. He did not see what In-Ah saw. Instead of investigating outside, his role becomes important to cleaning house. Ki-Jun can be idealistic, but that what sets him apart from the rest of the Audit Department - he wants to make things right even if it cost him his own job.
The VP may look like leaning only on the influence his wife has but eventually learned to stand on his own principles to help the employees of Haemu. Sometimes we need the upper management to look into the concerns of the people and not just making money which his half-brother is only after. His EA may have misplaced allegiance, but later on suffered the consequences of her choices. I like that the characters are not unforgiving, that they learned to accept their mistakes and later on knew when to reach out and be of help to others.
I love Team Three - how they worked well together, supporting each other like a family. I think this is what transformed In-Ah to care for them. Though Team Three is not excellent when it comes to work, their care for each other is what made them work together and later on support In-Ah.
The other supporting actors did well to create this drama meaningful. I am glad this drama ended in a positive note.
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Chemistry at work, but angst and real growth is on break!
Have we seen the story of ex- lovers parting ways due to misunderstanding and reuniting in the workspace? Yes and honestly, maybe a better version does exist for the second chance love trope. So, while the premise is not new, the execution was just above the line. (Maybe subpar if I am being too critical)This drama runs high on miscommunication and lack of communication simultaneously. It feels like two sides of the same coin.
Side A - Team Jin Hwan : Assuming others know what you mean and feel without stating your expectations clearly.
Side B - Team Min Jun : Hearing something and jumping to conclusions rather than giving a benefit of doubt and actually trying to sit and clarify the situation.
Starting with the positives, the chemistry between leads was the highlight for me. It was really good and evident from the start to finish. When they look at each other, I could sense all the hurt, the love and the weight of unfinished conversation between them!
Time alone doesn't heal everything unless you sit, communicate and truly process it all out. I am glad the drama didn't take the route of a fairytale reconciliation. While it was frustrating to watch at times, the back and forth between Minjun and Jin Hwan added the realistic layer of being too cautious and hesitant to re-enter into the same waters where both of them once almost drowned and barely survived in their own ways.
And a lot of people were mad at Minjun for not communicating and being as reciprocative as Jin Hwan when they met again after years but I believe that during those eight years apart, he was still struggling and had not fully accepted what exactly happened to him or why it happened. He actually never really had the opportunity to process it or work on his insecurities because technically, he never moved on. He was always under the impression that he was used and I do not think anyone can heal from something like that overnight.
Also the switch between past and present and vice versa was done well and very cohesively without being too messy or confusing. It gave a proper run down of what happened between them and why we are here right now. While in the past timeline, we get to see both the perspectives and it was interesting to see how the same situation can be interpreted in poles apart ways when communication takes a back seat.
Where this drama falters is the present day storyline that seemed rushed and underdeveloped. The emotional depth was missing and conflicts were left till the last minute to be resolved and honestly that is not my favourite kind of storytelling.
Don't get me wrong, it's not the worst second chance drama out there or it's not that the story didn't have potential. It did, but it just didn't dig deeper and enough to stir something inside me. I expected more believable character development where we could actually see them navigate their doubts, fear and misunderstandings together.
The angst between them felt lukewarm. Yes, there was tension and chemistry, no doubt, but it just simmered below the surface.
The short run time didn't help either. Maybe instead of 6 , 8 episodes could have made their journey and the ending more believable.
Clearly, the ending seemed rushed and very theatrical. It felt like we were robbed of the slow burn payoff. I still don't think either of them actually addressed their issues and if the drama existed in parallel universe and they are still together, I could see them making the same mistakes again. Again, I do believe in second chance romance but can it really happen if the people involve don't really change or atleast try to deal with their insecurities. Well, Minjun and Jin Hwan would never know because the writing didn't give them that chance.
Acting-wise both the new actors did a good job and their chemistry did all the heavy lifting here. I do feel with a better and strong script, we could have gotten something more because their performance does have potential.
Coming to OSTs, they were decent. I did like in a few scenes how they incorporated between dialogues without distracting from the delivery but nothing too memorable.
Overall, this drama isn't without flaws but the chemistry between them makes it a decent one time watch. I wouldn't say I dislike it but the pace and exploring their characters individually and then their dynamics together would have made this better.
Recommended if you are looking for something short filler like and wouldn't mind surface level writing.
Favourite Line from the Drama :
"I was stupid back then so I lost you,
If I have the chance, I want to do my best!"
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This review may contain spoilers
A LOVE-STORY, ROM-COM DONE RIGHT!
Yes, the story does show a rivalry between parents passed down to their children. However, this just seems so basic, right? But oh, you are in for a ride.In this series, there's no unnecessary drama. No stupid fights. No mis-understandings. Hella great communication between the main leads. No sacrificing their relationship for the sake of others. No breakups for the sake of others.
Their relationship shown is just based on Pure Love. Pat and Pran's story is really portrayed in the most realistic way possible. And not to feed the fetishes of the "audiences". Their intimate moments and kisses seemed so natural and for their own moment.
One of the many things that I liked in this series is there is literally no homophobia in the whole show. Also, no "I don't like men, but I like you" cliché. No "wife-husband" thing. No non-consensual kisses or anything. No jealous ex-gf trope or no making the girls in the series evil. Nothing of this sort.
Once the leads get together, they made sure that they stay together, fight together, overcome every hurdle TOGETHER. A healthy relationship is finally shown.
On to the main leads. Ohm and Nanon's chemistry is so damn good. So natural. Like literally no awkward moments. There was not one single time that I felt cringe or anything. And oh my god. Their acting skills! Hella fricking good. It's the only way to describe it. Even in the moments where there were no dialogues, I FELT THEIR EMOTIONS. And to think that this is Nanon's 1st ever BL. They both really gave us outstanding performances.
Also, the director. P'Aof. Hat's off. This man just keeps getting better and better. In 2021 alone he gave 2 back to back amazing series. First being ATOTS and now BBS. At this point GMMTV should just let P'Aof direct their BL shows.
Not to exaggerate but, Bad Buddy Series should not just be the standard of BL's but also the standard of a Healthy Relationship. This series really hits home because, it is just a simple love story between 2 people, but yet, so damn special.
Cast 100% ; Storyline 100% ; Direction 100% ; Production 100% ; Acting 100% ; OST 100% ; Rewatch 100% (I already rewatched it once. More to come, lol)
Watch it. You won't regret it.
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The story, well, its not something new, especially if you read the manga, saw the previous versions, and watched the anime. Even for me, I memorized the plot and characters in my head, and even unconsciously, I can point out some dialogues in the different versions. (I am a fan of the manga). If you are watching this for the first time, and that this is a new story for you, you might get to enjoy it especially if you are a fan of typical rom-com doramas. Its fun and entertaining in a way. Its sweet and lovely at many points. Its cliched and dramatic at certain levels. The stupidity and drama mixes well and goes along at each character's development in the story especially in Irie Naoki's character. The aspect that I admire the most in this drama is the character portrayal. There is something in the characters that will make you fall in love in them. They give me the feels of the manga. for example, when I watched Kin Hyun Joong playing as Irie in playful kiss, I was like "This is not Irie Naoki at all, This was more of a overacting naoki." but when I saw Furukawa as Irie, I was like "This is the Irie character I have been looking for, the Naoki that is the smart-aloof guy with serious EI problems." His character is the reason why kotoko does not seem very annoying compared to the "kotoko" on k version that is seriously annoying which literally stress me out.
For me, it was that good and satisfying that I downloaded the entire drama so that I can rewatch it again. :) Patiently waiting for season 2!
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One thing I especially love about Reply 1994 compared to Reply 1997 is there is way more romance in reply 1994 than reply 1997
I really loved the diversity in each character and the difference in their dialects. Also I loved how they brought the parents from Reply 1997. Also if anybody is thinking of watching Reply 1997, watch it first because they appeared as guest role in Reply 1994.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unpredictable with plot twists. But damn, I felt my neck was stiff!
As someone who loves the mystery genre, I found this drama's fantasy part, which gives a mystery vibe, unpredictable with plot twists along the main plot. Only watch it if you're comfortable with a huge height difference.STORY:
The Female Lead Jin Xia bought her dream house, a cute old house by the sea. Once moving in, she finds that her new house is haunted by a ghostly tall handsome guy Nan Hua, a man from ancient times, who is not a ghost but can choose to be unseen by people. Nan Hua got stuck living in that house and is waiting for someone whom he doesn't remember who the person is. So we have the usual cohabitation trope with Jin Xia and Nan Hua gradually falling in love.
I found that the fantasy plot of this drama is unpredictable, as in Nan Hua's background, the person he's waiting for but doesn't remember who, how he's able to live that long, etc. I won't spoil you with the details but will spoil you with the ending if you're someone who wants to know if it's a happy ending or a sad ending (scroll after you reach the bottom of the review).
CHARACTER AND ACTING:
I have never seen Lai Mei Yun before. Her character Jin Xia is pretty and petite, independent, and career-oriented. She wants to remain single, with only a grandma and a best friend as people who are close to her. I saw the actor Wang Zi Hao in the short-length series with the time-loop theme "Secretary Bai Wants to Resign Everyday", which I thought it's quite funny. Nan Hua is a nice Male Lead, but I think the actor looks better in ancient costumes than in modern costumes. I felt like the huge height difference of 40 cm or 16 inches (see source below) between Nan Hua and Jin Xia gave me a stiff neck. So, it's understandable that others said that they saw a romance between a man and a little girl. Fortunately, Jin Xia has pretty long wavy hair, and she doesn't have a high-pitched voice or act childish.
Height difference source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy531LiwncE
OST:
The ending theme "Love Will Tame the Wind and the Rain" (爱会驯服风雨) is sung by the actress Lai Mei Yun herself.
SPOILER of the ending (Scroll down below)
A happy ending between Nan Hua and Jin Xia. He disappears because of losing energy. Jin Xia buries her engagement ring and it regenerates the dead ancient tree that was Nan Hua's source of energy. Nan Hua is reborn and he comes back to find Jin Xia. Not a last-minute reunion.
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But the story was absolutely brilliant. It had some great plot twists that were genuine twists, as in, it was actually unpredictable. Obviously it had a scientific aspect to it, but wasn't full of jargon, so you don't need to be a science nerd to enjoy this. It wasn't full of action, though there were some great scenes, but it was never blandly telling the story either. Most of the technical stuff, ie the stuff on computer screens, were in English, and for us non-Japanese viewers, it really helps to understand the plot better. All the characters were fantastic. The writers did a great job balancing out each individual character's depth and background, and so none of the characters felt false, or like just fillers for the plot.
Acting of the cast, again was incredible! there were a couple of iffy moments, but still it was good. Nino I think, did brilliant as Ryuhei, a really fascinating and complicated character. And not just Nino, all others were just as brilliant with their characters.
The music was perfect. They used several tracks, and they matched all the scenes perfectly. It was quite a long film, but it is definitely worth rewatching.
Overall, this movie is totally worth 10/10. No matter if you are a science buff, or action/thriller buff or a Nino stalker, you would absolutely love this film. Happy watching everyone!
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The romance is the fluffiest thing in the world and the couple has good chemistry, they look really cute together.
I hadn't watched a drama with Yoo Seung Ho before but I've developed a crush on him watching this it seems, he's such a good actor who portrays emotions really well. Chae Soo Bin is also a great actress, I applaud her for the dual portrayal of both characters.
The main negative thing I could point out is how some scenes are too childish and naive.
Overall, I only recommend giving this drama a chance if you're prepared to lose some braincells and to be frustrated by the draggy episodes.
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Ao Haru Ride’s Best Live Action
Let me start with stating that I was a fan of the anime, and quickly pick up the manga right after, and unfortunately did not end up as one of my favorites due to many frustrations, but I was super excited about this live action since the trailer came out, why???THE PERFECT CAST! like I was so surprise of these cast. I have also previously watch the live action movie version, and that pale into comparison with it’s casting especially for the main leads. I expected myself to be attracted to Kou, but never expected myself to be more attracted to Futaba on this version, the actress is such a delight to watch, and she wasn’t just pretty, she absolutely nailed the character, it was such a natural to watch her.
Season 1 only has 8 episodes, compare to anime who has 13 episodes, and the anime did not even get to a point where the main leads had their first kiss, so that being said a lot had been skipped. This live action was more fast paced and only focus on the highlights of the story, I would have like them to have spend more time on the friendship side too, and here I am suddenly wishing JDrama would have more episodes on their season. Probably the only cons I could point out. It would have been more flesh out relationship/friendship wise if there were more episodes to show the interactions.
Despite it being felt short, this version was definitely worth watching, the cast brought in their characters on a silver platter, they like came out of the pages, and portrayed their part beautifully.
The chemistry between the leads was great! I wish to see more and more of them, and I cannot wait for the season2. I need the sweet couple moments!
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE STORY:
The premise was amazing, the story is truly a classic romance story with all the drama if you like drama. Childhood friends/crushes who parted ways due to unexpected situation, and met again when both aren’t the same person as they used to be, and despite that changes, managed to still fell for each other the second time around and mixed it with drama.
I used to be very frustrated with Kou like I wanted to shake him so badly, but with this version (at least to what has been shown so far in terms of Kou’s attitude with Futaba) it’s been tone down which I appreciated so much, and the portrayal of the actor makes me understand his situation and his actions, his eyes are very expressive that hold such sadness, and all kinds of emotions.
With more drama coming their way on season 2, I would like to separate that second half of the story from my rating, season 1 served well and big thanks to the cast, I enjoyed every part of it.
THE OST WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! I’m addicted to the ost, it has been on repeat.
P.S. big thanks to the subber that subbed the show, she didn’t want to be linked but you’ll see her watermarked at the credits, it’s been amazing watching fansubs again, it takes me back when subs are done so beautifully matching the fonts, subbing all parts.
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Beautiful drama. 10/10
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1South Korean history lesson
"Oasis" is a dark/noir drama series since it is set in the era of the dictator Chun that set up a concentration camp for "purificatory education". It shows workers/college student movements (represented by supporting character Lee Jeong Ok [Doo Hak's younger sister] and second lead character Choi Cheol Woong) in the 80s and the hideous government education camps (character Choi Cheol Woong experiences the abusive purifying education). The story includes movie theaters in the 80s where movies were so popular (represented by movie theater owners/movie producers character Cha Geum Ok and main female leading character Oh Jung Jin / Sophia in "Oasis"). Historically, some movies became the most entertaining films that are still regularly watched today. It also tells the story of a former slave/servant that does whatever his former master wants him to do, including giving up his second son. I am saddened when Abeoji Lee Joong Ho died (the main character Lee Doo Hak's father, a farmer and a former slave/servant). The scene is so harrowing when his wife, Eomma/Eomoni Jeom Am Daek (main character Lee Doo Hak's mother) sobbing aguishly when her husband died and during the funeral and funeral procession. "Oasis" is a mini series that is a gut-wrenching portrait of the parental sacrifice and the oldest son's filial piety, a complete obedience to his parents (represented by male character Lee Doo Hak). It also tells a story of a manipulative woman Kang Yeo Jin ( "Cheol Woong'mother") that will do unapologetically by any means necessary including lying that "her" son, Choi Cheol Woong is her former lover (Deputy Hwang Chung Seong)'s son, and uses Deputy Hwang Chung Seong to cover her deceit. it also shows the authoritarian leader of Deputy Hwang Chung Seong that has complete control over his subordinate Team Captain/Prosecutor Coordinator Oh Man Ok.There are many fighting scenes and also when South Korean government forcefully clear low income housing areas, as a strategy to impress the international attention and build sporting facility for upcoming Olympics event in Seoul, South Korea. It tells the story of the main character and his new career as a contractor purchasing land from low income people and the mushrooming of high rise apartment buildings around the Olympics center.
I really like watching and waiting patiently for the next episodes of "Oasis" mini series. It has South Korean history lesson that is interesting and educational for me. The cast are wonderful, including lovely actress Seol In Ah (role Oh Jung Jin), solemnly performed by actor Jang Dong Yoon (role Lee Doo Hak), skillfully performed by actor Choo Young Woo (role Choi Cheol Woong), veteran actor Jeon Noh Min (role Deputy Hwang Chung Seong), veteran actor Kim Myung Soo (role Abeoji Lee Joong Ho), veteran actress So Hee Jung (role Jeom Am Daek), and most notably "Everyman warrior" actor Jin Yi Han (convincingly portrays role Villain Oh Man Ok). Watching "Oasis" can be depressing since it is a noir/dark drama series that has intricate plots and gruesome story during the dictator/dark times era.
I must say I am impressed with actor Choo Young Woo's performance in "Oasis" He is only in his early 20s and is able to deliver a solid complicated and hated character Choi Cheol Woong in "Oasis". He will be the next generation great actor. Also, it is worth noted that Actor Jin Yi Han really immerses himself in his role as a villain Oh Man Ok and he lost so much weight , 11 Kgs, for his role to look more "sinister" in "Oasis (2023)". Additionally his deep resonant voice and intense different facial expressions show he is an excellent actor and is able to deliver his thorough and fine performance.
I rate a 9 out of 10 for the mini series, I highly recommend watching "Oasis (2023). Enjoy the mini series.
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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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