Reviews

Soft, dreamy, and full of high school sapphic vibes.

Let’s start with the good stuff. This show is such a beautiful experience, especially for women who love women and can see themselves in Ongsa or Sun. It was so much fun to watch. The focus on communication and having a support system was really meaningful, the high school moments were adorable, and the overall vibe was soft and dreamy.

This is such an important sapphic show because it’s set entirely in high school, making it a safe and sweet space for viewers. It was pure cuteness overload, and honestly, my early high school self would’ve been obsessed.

Now for the downside: it felt kind of empty. I get that it’s a simple high school love story, but simplicity shouldn’t mean the show feels like it’s missing something. It just didn’t hit me with enough feels, and I found myself struggling to finish it.

On the bright side, 23.5 has the best soundtrack of any GL ever. Seriously, go listen to it.


2024 GL Ranking: https://kisskh.at/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://kisskh.at/list/4vGQqnb1

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The main actor and actress depict the character very well. It's so touching to see the interaction between Dew and Phop. I can feel the purity of their love. This movie delivers the message about the power of love in a beautiful way. The background place is really beautiful as well. At first, I though this gonna be a little bit boring, but I enjoyed every scene of the stories. I cried a lot since the beginning. At beginning of the movie I think I cried because I just can't handle to see how cute is Dew (Ohm I love you haha), then as the stories went further I purely cried because of what's happening in the movie.

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This is probably my favorite drama ever. The story and its pace are unbelievably perfect. The acting is so well done that it got me cheering for many characters such as King Injo, the Crown Prince and Princess, the queen and Yam Jun...

Yam Jun is what I like most about this drama, because she is in a very thin line between hero and villain since she's the main character and she's playing the role of a villain but I caught myself cheering for her, wanting her to succed in her plans so badly.  She isn't your regular kdrama hero... She's the exact opposite of it. In any other drama she would be considered a villain, but if you're like me you will be cheering for her for the most part.

The role played by Lee Duk Hwa was extraordinary. It was a beautiful thing when he was around children. King Injo has many beautiful relationships with other characters like Crown Prince So Hyun and his other children and grandchildren. Also, in his world he had a very very beautiful relationship with Yam Jun, despite all her manipulation and schemings. I think, for the most part, taking his perspective, it was a beautiful love.

There is a set of characters I love so much in this drama and that is the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. They have an amazing relationship despite being very different from each other. They make a very good team to go through hardships together in China. He becomes stronger with her and for him and her children she can get through it all. She's the strongest female I've ever seen in a kdrama so far. So Hyun is a gentle and thoughtful son to King Injo. He suffers so much in his life, trying to be the best son he can be to his father. The Crown Princess is the fearless female warrior always seaking to thrive and So Hyun is all heart. This couple seriously gave me the feels. I felt like they are, together with Injo, the only heros to cheer for.

The plot is all about scheming and ambition for the throne. It is a very political drama. Don't expect to see love and romance. Most characters would be considered 'evil' by most people I think... But I don't think exactly like that though. I think most of the characters feel very convincing... Not exactly bad or good... They feel almost human, I guess. It is indeed a very 'cruel' story for all characters so the plot is VERY dramatic (although I can say I never cried once but laughed quite a few times because this drama can be absurd sometimes and most of those times it is because of Yam Jun's way of thinking and scheming. She's just too much I guess lol). I've found the story unpredictable for the most part so I didn't get bored once. The storytelling still feels very fresh in the kdramaland imo. It is definitely not something you can easily find in another drama.

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Started well with a cute love story but ended with rushed cliches.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.25

“Ikinari Kon” aka “Sudden Marriage” started off so well. Despite being a little predictable, it was light and easy for the first ¾ of the drama. The female lead, Mao, though shy, is not a pushover. I am so glad she would speak up and put people in their places (in a nice way). Male lead, Hajime, is a little pushy, clingy and stalkerish to start, but he grows on me. He’s a tall and good-looking guy but that hairstyle makes him look so old. I might be in the minority of not liking that height difference. However, the leads have good chemistry and I enjoy all the scenes they are in together.

Unfortunately, things went downhill in the last few episodes. I have coined this drama, ‘Marriage of Coincidences’. I am fine with one or two coincidences to make it seem like the leads are destined to be together. But, 3, 4, 5 times? That’s a little too intentional and fake. The drama also gets all tropey when ML’s father was introduced and the whole business plot was introduced. There’s no way Hajime disappears for a week with no contact when he’s been so in love and clingy. It doesn’t matter if your cell phone is stolen, broken, or evaporated, it’s not hard to still give your girl a call or a text. A rom-com about a sudden marriage goes to waste into a rom-com full of cliches.

I did enjoy most of the drama despite my rant. I just wish we got more cute scenes and lovely kisses. Maybe the drama should have ended a couple episodes sooner.

Completed: 4/13/2025 - Review #565

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Godzilla (1954) is the original and definitive Godzilla movie. Made less than 10 years after the end of WWII, it carries a heavier emotional weight than the Godzilla movies that would follow. Before the high-fiving, boxing anti-hero and sometimes protector of Japan came this vengeful terror. This Godzilla was a fearsome indictment of man’s lack of humanity.

The miniatures were more intricate and had more detail than other Godzilla movies. This movie did a good job of interspersing people with the miniatures to give us a vested interest in their lives and sorrow when an unforgiving monster sent them to their doom. When Godzilla unleashed his atomic breath, the results were tragic and all too real whether it be on humans or property. As the citizens and military waited for Godzilla’s arrival, the tension was palpable. The carnage was unflinchingly shown as Godzilla cut through the city with his slow, unmerciful gait.

Dr. Serizawa, played by Hirata Akihiko, had developed his own terrifying weapon and refused to use it for fear it would fall into the wrong hands. Ultimately, he had to decide whether to deploy his weapon to stop the immediate destruction being rained down on his country or to withhold it for fear of unimaginable destruction that could take place if people were to use it as a weapon against other people.

The movie is not perfect, there is a love triangle even in Godzilla. The story can bounce around. The acting style is dated, but didn’t distract from the actors expressing the emotions the characters were feeling. The special effects were exemplary for 1954, viewers expecting spectacular CGI will be disappointed.

Whether conveying the urgency of people fleeing or ominously announcing the arrival of Godzilla, Ifukube Akira’s score was spot on.

My rating reflects how I rate movies and dramas. Only my first love in a particular genre receives a 10, the one that all other movies in that genre will be judged against. Godzilla who meshes the prehistoric with the modern and forces us to look back on the consequences of society’s actions is far deeper than a giant lizard destroying a city. Thus far, no other Kaiju has measured up to the original Godzilla’s standard.

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Absolutely another fantastic drama of Kim Sun Ah, this drama was made fabulous thanks to Kim Sun Ah great acting. Lee Dong Wook initially was a bit awkward but he does match well with Kim Sun Ah chemistry. That make such a great drama. I learned alot from this drama, how we shall looked into our life, not when a sickness has surfaced us, we starts to enjoy. Starts to appreciate every single day of our life to the fullest, as we do not know whats happening the next day. Moderation of enjoyment in life. But at least, Kim Sun Ah found her true self, after falling ill. Will we call it lucky? Kim Sun Ah carry out this role perfectly, I was carried away by her, in every episode till ending. I looking forward to her next drama. Kim Sun Ah no doubt she is not pretty in person, but she does have a comfortable look thanks to her acting skill. YOu chooses your profession right.

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When I started watching this show I was quite hooked into it because it was mysterious, 2 worlds merging, random guy appearing from the forest y'know? But then as I continued felt like the overall drama was made too long with unnecessary episodes and lots of things didn't make sense in it.

Story: "My Mowgli Boy" is about a celebrity named Ling Xi who one day accidentally brings home a wild man who she later named Mo Geli. Mo Geli becomes an important part of her life and supports her through the high and lows.
I think that the plot of the drama is a really good idea because it's so mysterious. It might just be me but as I got around the middle of the drama, I started getting tired of the main couple, maybe because there wasn't enough happening around them because the scenes of them are usually just talking. Due to that I started getting more and more interested in the support couples Tang Cheng and Lu Ziyue, and Chu Shi and Ling Yu. Tang Cheng and Lu Ziyue were my favourite couple because their scenes were actually interesting, they are 2 different people and with very different interests and personalities but still managed so get together, and Chu Shi and Ling Yu seemed like forbidden love because they have to be pulled apart by Ling Yu's family problems. Overall Ling Yu's life seems to be really complicated and sad.
I really didn't like Mo Geli as a character, because he always seems to not trust Ling Xi enough even though she has said that she would really like to share the happy and sad with him. Mo Geli is always disappearing and is always leaving Ling Xi disappointed.
The ending was honestly what disappointed me the most because the last episodes (50) honestly wasn't explaining what was happening clearly. Once again, Mo Geli disappears without a word while Ling Xi is stuck worrying. I was getting really annoyed at Mo Geli by this point, Ling Xi has already said that she wants to solve his problems with him instead of him not telling her and solving it all by himself. At the end I had no idea what was happening, Ling Xi is just by the river when suddenly Mo Geli appears in front of her with the ring. Even now I have no idea if that was Ling Xi's imagination or if he was really there.

Acting/Cast:
The cast was chosen really well because all the actors seemed to have a appearance similar to their character personalities. Yang Zi really hit me emotionally when she cried, she always performs her character so well. I felt that Ma Tianyu was a little bit stiff at first but then he warmed up in the end.

Music:
The music was alright.

Rewatch value:
I personally think that the drama is too long with to much unnecessary so I don't think I will rewatch it. Plus the drama didn't make any sense in the end and I still don't know if Mo Geli came back or not because it could just be Ling Xi's imagination.

Overall, I think that the plots with the other characters were quite interesting, while the lead couple was confusing. I hope Ling Xi and Mo Geli did get together at the end, but judging by how Mo Geli is always disappearing with unexplained reasons, probably not.

~

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The first thing that came to me upon reading the synopsis was like..." a ghost in a sageuk is kinda cool." So I gave it a shot...besides Yoo Seung-ho looking like a real GOD of heaven; I'm also curious about Lee Joon-gi. I read sooo many reviews about him being a good actor, and so since, this was his first project out from the military, I decided to try it out; and I'm not sooo disappointed at all!!!!

What attracted me most here is the plot. Of ghost wandering around finding her true identity. I am used to watch sageuks in a very SERIOUS manner and I think this gives a fresh plot to those who doesn't watch sageuks too much. So, in Joseon period, there are people around who can see what other people doesn't normally see, is another plus for me. I think, this kind of thing is a bit taboo since it was in the Joseon era. That kind of plot wasn't fully explored, until this drama came out.

My curiuosity to Lee Joon-gi lead me to prove me that HE is one of the best actors out there. He bought balance to the story and did "enough" for his role. I know he can play the character better, but I think the story just asks for that much, and its a good thing he played it just way iot should.

SHIN MIN-AH is did a very good job here, specially the stunts in Episode 1, and she immersed herself in the role perfectly. She made me laugh, and she made me cry. That's more than enough for me to commend her in this drama.

The only character that balances everything here is Yoo Seung-ho. Besides looking beautiful, he did a fairly good job on being the one who knows the faith of two characters.

I didn't find any lame characrter here. Every character is important for the story be effective. GOOD JOB!!!!!! :)

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A movie not recommended for fragile hearts

Despite all the disclaimers and notices stating that it's gonna hurt , I eventually watched it on a saturday night alone :')

I guess I wanted to challenge myself not to cry no matter what but ... I guess you can tell what happened. I literally cried my balls out for the last 30 minutes nonstop. It's been so long since I sobbed so loud when crying, to the point that I lost breath! (Yes it's this serious)


Indeed all the actors did great but my hat goes off to Tooru especially. I cried for him. It's true, that the story is about Hino but it was Tooru who struggled the most. He is the pitiful one. The poor guy didn't have a single happy day in his life and when Hino came in it, things were starting to change and we would see a glimpse of hope but hey how would the writers and director make me cry then :')

I knew it since the first scene in the film, that Tooru won't be around anymore! but throughout the movie, I begged for them to "save" him! However, it won't be called a plot twist this way. Yes! It was a plot twist (though I won't call it that way for me because I was expecting it). Because you would get immersed in Hino's story that you won't notice what's coming.

My heart ached for Tooru not Hino.
Nonetheless, I loved the movie!

Just a small advice: don't watch it on a working day, your eyes will be puffy next morning :)

I rated the "Rewatch value" low because I WON'T watch it again! don't wanna cry my heart out again! NEVER!

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Charming Comedy with likable leads and wonderful acting

Our story begins with a murder. A young bride (Xia Yubing) is force-fed poison on her wedding night, the groom (Xu Zi Yan) justifying the action by saying she had framed his beloved (Xia Liu Qing) and someone that evil deserves death. We learn Yubing was tricked into framing Liu Qing and that she really isn't villainous at heart. The tale is then jolted from the past to the present where we learn Yubing and Zi Yan are both characters in a comic by a newbie author and her editor isn't pleased with a story about a stupid girl and a heartless hero. The author swears she will do better next go around and after a few edits turns Yubing into the female lead and a good character in the story, with Zi Yan an eager young doctor wanting to force-feed her medicine in order to save her from a rare but deadly disease.

In spite of that somewhat confusing set up this is an easy-to-follow rom-com that (almost) never forgets its a comedy. I laughed during most of the episodes, even during what would typically be "dark" moments like an execution or torture. The story's emphasis is less on plot than it is on relationship building. Yubing turns out to be a savvy businesswoman with a lovely, warm heart. Not only do she and Zi Yan wind up having a wonderful romance but Yubing also establishes a terrific connection with her sister Liu Qing, Zi Yan's bestie Ye Wen, and with Zi Yan's father Xu Guang Ling. Yubing is a positive presence in all their lives as she helps to create a better family/friend situation for herself/those around her and a more cooperative and caring business environment for her community. If you like feel-good stories, this is definitely a show you'll enjoy.

The acting is excellent and the chemistry between our leads is fantastic.

Few things are perfect, however, and this is no exception. The story gave way too much time to the villain, which caused it to drag in parts. The ending, while happy, is a touch incomplete. The character of Gu Gu/NPC was fabulous and excellently portrayed but I could have done with less of the author, especially in the final episode. All that said, this is easily my favorite Chinese rom-com.

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This was a really interesting take on time travel, with the father traveling back only 24 hours. It reminded me of the type of time travel in the 2014 Japanese drama 'Sutekina Sen Taxi' , traveling back to fix one mistake. It manages to be both x-rated with some super hot man on man scenes, whilst also being extremely sweet and tackling some big issues with sexuality, family relations and suicide. I wasn't expecting this to have much more than smut value after watching the trailer but I was pleasantly surprised. A must watch for boys love and fantasy fans. Also the sex scenes don't leave much to the imagination, being very graphic with some very hot guys.

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Another drama just completely ignored, even bad dramas got more attention.
I am not saying this drama was perfect...but it was good! It did its job. I was caught off guard, captivated, intrigued, I laughed, cried and most important did not lose interest.
I ask myself why?? does this drama have little or no recognition. My personal opinion only but I think sometimes cast, latest technologies to create beautiful scenery etc., and mood and trends of that particular time dictate popularity over substance. Popularity lessens as the drama gets older for most. This drama seemed even older than when it was released in 2008. I believe more people would rather not watch simply because its considered to old to relate to. All dramas have the same goal to keep people watching no matter what reason. If your reason to watch dramas is simply to watch your kpop idol or the latest styles and outfits without care of substance than just skip this drama.

I recommend this simply because it was good.

OST was a definite plus!

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