Reviews

A beautiful goodbye to youth and first love

Twenty Five Twenty One had been on my watchlist for years, mainly because of how often it was described as emotional and heartbreaking. I kept postponing it, waiting for the “right time.” After finally watching it, I understand why it stayed with so many people. This drama is a beautiful portrayal of youth messy, hopeful, painful, and deeply sincere.
What I loved most was the bond within the group. Their friendship felt natural and lived-in, balancing humor with emotional depth. Yu-rim’s behavior toward Hee-do was frustrating at first, but her growth was written so well that my perspective slowly shifted, making their friendship genuinely rewarding. Seung-wan standing up to the abusive teacher was one of the most satisfying moments, and Ji-ung and Yu-rim’s relationship, especially surviving long-distance, felt more meaningful than simple puppy love.
Hee-do and Yi-jin’s relationship formed the emotional core of the story. Their love grew gently from friendship, and their eventual breakup though painful felt realistic. Careers, timing, and distance often win in real life, and I appreciated that the drama didn’t romanticize staying together at all costs. (And I was proud of Heedo for realising that and prioritising herself. it was painful but glad she didn't stay stuck in the relationship. And realistically speaking given their careers they couldn't have done much unless one of them gave up everything and went with other).
The sports aspect was also handled beautifully. The hard work, discipline, and pressure athletes face were portrayed realistically, including how one mistake or decision can invite public hate and media exploitation. The ending left me feeling both full and empty not because it was tragic, but because it felt real. I didn’t cry over the breakup; I felt the emptiness of saying goodbye. Even the brief glimpse of Yi-jin’s family reunion added quiet emotional closure.


P.S. what felt slightly off to me was the narrative framing. Hee-do’s husband was never shown, and Yi-jin’s future whether he married or how his life fully settled was left ambiguous. Additionally, the story continued even though Hee-do’s daughter only discovered the last diary at the very end, which broke the initial storytelling pattern. These choices didn’t ruin the experience, but they did leave a few lingering questions.

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Short on Angst, Long on Charm

The ML was played masterfully by Wallace Huo. He depicted a man newly turned 40, set in his ways, and encumbered by neurodivergence. ML was brilliant, but he was hampered by his OCD, his lack of filter when he spoke, and his inability to read social signals. He had learned to navigate life by isolation, the protection and intervention of his business partner, and the defensive speech he used to keep people at arm's length.

Zhu Zhu depicted an older woman successful in her profession who was unwilling to settle for the sake of marriage, no matter the pressures society and her father placed upon her.

What unfolded was a mature love story. Some might find it slow and lacking in the romance department, but I was fascinated with ML's journey and evolution. Wallace Huo fleshed out a character I will long remember, and he did it in a stylish and heartwarming manner. Unlike so many dramas that have disappointed me, it managed to have a sweet and satisfying ending.

I quibbled with myself over the rating, but my enjoyment of Huo's character made me come back to rate the drama higher.

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A Nightmare Without a Resolution

After seeing clips of Nightmare Teacher on reels, I got curious and decided to watch it. I didn’t expect it to be a mini web series, but I still gave it a try. Before anything else, I have to mention that I really didn’t like the camera quality. Maybe because it’s from 2016? It definitely shows. The visuals were so outdated and low-quality that it affected my overall rating.

For the series itself, it actually hooked me during the first few episodes. Every ending made me wonder what truly happened to the victims. Did they die? Did they disappear? What did the teacher do to them? It kept me curious, which was good — at first. But after those initial episodes, everything slowly went downhill. The rest of the series became boring, and I honestly didn’t understand the whole point anymore. I also expected a major plot twist at the end, but instead, I was left with even more questions. And honestly… the ending was just bad. I’m sorry for the language, but it was shit. I was genuinely curious to know what happened to the students, only to find out they were just on the upper floors looking hypnotized or possessed or whatever that was supposed to be.

And Kim So-hyun’s character? I didn’t get it at all. All I remember is that she and Minhyuk were trying to save their classmates, but she ended up trapped inside a mirror. Then her doppelgänger tried to take over her identity. And when she finally escaped, she randomly hugged the doppelgänger — and suddenly everything went back to normal? Like nothing happened? What kind of plot twist was that? It felt rushed, confusing, and honestly pointless. I also want to mention the final episode’s supposed “big twist” — the camera. The professor gave Minhyuk that camera, hinting that it would reveal everyone’s secrets, but it literally did nothing. It felt like a random prop carried around the whole series without contributing anything meaningful. I don’t remember it revealing a single thing except capturing the victims, and that’s it. Definitely not a worthy twist.

As for the acting:

Kim So-hyun’s acting here was not good. Her facial expressions remained the same throughout the entire drama, even in scenes that were supposed to feel intense or emotional. Her expressions were stiff — sometimes even motionless. And her chemistry with Minhyuk was nonexistent. Yes, the drama isn’t romantic, but even non-romantic leads should have some kind of connection. She really had no chemistry with him at all, or even with her other leading men in general.

Minhyuk, surprisingly, did much better than I expected. Considering this was one of his earlier projects, I thought he would be stiff, but he was actually more natural and charismatic. He suited his role well and performed better than Kim So-hyun, honestly.

The professor, though — amazing. He did an excellent job playing the creepy teacher. His subtle smile alone could send shivers down your spine. He pulled off the unsettling, mysterious aura perfectly. Creepy, yes, but weirdly charming. A handsome kind of creepy.

The supporting cast also impressed me. Their expressions and acting added more life to the drama, and sometimes they performed better than Kim So-hyun herself (lol). They made certain episodes more fun and engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed their presence.

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A perfect 10

I absolutely loved this so here's a list of everything I loved!
-As someone who loves dance already, I think this movie did such a fantastic job of showing the art of different dance styles off!
-The cinemaphotography in this was beautiful as well! I think they did some really cool and beautiful shots.
-The sets, especially the ballrooms & the one studio were gorgeous!
-The costuming was pretty as well. The way the dresses sparkled at the competitions were stunning.
-The chemistry between the two guys, as well as the two girls, was great. I feel like you could feel the chemistry between them right away.

I feel like so much story was told in two hours without it feeling rushed either. It was so well done. You really got to know the main characters, their relationships with each other, as well as their relationship with dance, in only two hours and that can be hard to pull off so well and they did. I liked the ending too. It surprised me a little, but I really liked it.

I would love to know how much training the actors had to go through for this because I think they all did incredible. Maybe they have dance background already, but either way it was incredible to watch! Major props to all of them!

Highly recommend, especially if you love dancing!

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A Slow-Burn Romance Done Right

Shooting Stars really had me hooked from start to finish. I honestly didn’t expect this drama to become one of my top-rated shows, but it truly exceeded my expectations. The plot is great, and the storytelling from beginning to end is absolutely amazing. It also has a slow-burn romance between the main leads, which I really enjoyed — something that many other K-dramas don’t do as well.

I also want to highlight how refreshing it was that this drama doesn’t rely on a main antagonist or overly villainous characters, which most K-dramas tend to have. Instead, the story focuses on the characters’ lives, careers, and relationships. I love that it didn’t center solely on Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-dae. The other main characters had their own arcs, their own issues, and their own meaningful moments.

There’s also an overflowing amount of chemistry between the leads, and I absolutely loved watching their interactions. I’ve been watching K-dramas for years, but I never really realized how challenging it must be to work behind the scenes until this drama showed it. Seeing what actually happens off-camera — how actors handle their schedules, how PR teams deal with crises, and how staff members manage every little issue — made me appreciate the industry even more. I learned that being a manager is incredibly demanding, from scouting talent to guiding them into becoming successful actors.

For me, the whole concept felt fresh and new, and it made me want to binge the series in one sitting. There were no boring episodes, and I loved that it had a perfect blend of romance and comedy.

As for the acting, Lee Sung-kyung was exceptional. Her cute reactions reminded me so much of her role in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, which I absolutely adore. This kind of soft romantic drama suits her so well. She was stunning in every outfit — truly slaying every look.

Kim Young-dae, on the other hand, genuinely surprised me. I wasn’t a fan of his acting in Extraordinary You, and I was honestly hesitant to watch this drama because of him. BUT this drama completely changed my impression. I got to see a different side of him — better expressions, stronger delivery, and a completely new charm. I found myself laughing in almost every episode because of him, and he made the show even more entertaining. Thanks to him, there wasn’t a single dull moment.

The rest of the cast also did an amazing job. Their performances brought their characters to life, especially the actors and actresses portrayed within the drama’s storyline. They added so much depth and humor to the show.
And before anything else, I have to give a special mention to Yuna’s manager with his iconic line:
“Yuuuunaaa yaaahhh!”

I swear I will never forget that.

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Unexpected addiction

I seriously didn't think this series would make me fall in love with as much as it did. Started it thinking it is the usual coming of age cute and fluffy story (which it is), but there's something about it that pulls you towards it; be it the story itself, the actors who did a great job, the vibes it gives I can't pin point exactly. I love the ways the characters portray their feelings and how they care for other people's feelings. Seeing Hioki and Watarai navigate through different experiences while caring for each other and the people around them is just fulfilling to watch. I love their friend group, they're the kind of people that you would enjoy their company. Overall this drama has a special place for me. Hope to see more like this.

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10/10 A+ Drama | Storyline/Acting/Plot/Everything!!!

There honestly isn’t a single part of Thundercloud Rainstorm that doesn’t feel exceptional. Every element, acting, story, chemistry, and atmosphere, could stand on its own and still shine.

Most BLs, even the ones we love, come with some kind of trade-off. Lower budget, awkward pacing, uneven acting, something. You go in knowing you’ll probably be sacrificing in one way or another. Not with this show. Honestly, I’ve watched hundreds of BLs, and Thundercloud Rainstorm is hands-down the best of them all.

Let’s talk about the acting first. Yes, the leads are gorgeous, that’s expected in BL, but what really got me was how natural and believable they are. Nothing feels forced or overdone. You forget you’re watching actors and just get pulled completely into their emotions, their tension, and their connection.

The story might sound familiar at first, a powerful, emotionally guarded heir and a more vulnerable, ordinary guy. But that surface description doesn’t do it justice at all. The layers in this story just keep unfolding. The family dynamics add a bold, almost uncomfortable edge that makes everything feel more intense and real. The dominant and submissive undertones aren’t just there for shock value. They are woven into the emotional push and pull between the characters, and honestly, it’s incredibly sexy.

What really surprised me was how much you feel everything. The pain. The longing. The desire to be accepted. The pressure of expectations. The devotion that borders on obsession. Even the side stories and backstory hit hard and add so much depth instead of feeling like filler.

And thankfully, for such an emotionally charged story, it does end happily, but in a way that doesn’t feel sugary, predictable, or like something you could have written yourself based on every other drama you’ve watched before. I can already tell this is going to be one of the very few dramas, and yes, I’m not limiting that to just BLs, that I will come back to and rewatch over and over again.

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Dare I say, better than the series

It was so sweet, also very funny, the first part of the first ep at least, and we got to see jealous Watarai, yeay!... I really didn't want it to end it was so cute~

However it was very short, but still as beautiful as the series, we get to see the growth of their relationship, and how comfortable they become with each other, of course Hioki still as shy and adorable and we all got off guard by the hot kissing, but it was a nice surprise.

It's only 2 episodes, very short 2 episodes, heavily focused on the two main characters, but we got to see a glimpse of the rest of the group.

It really has what everyone wish to see in a special ~~

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Nerd x Popular Boy

I actually have mixed feelings about this drama. It's marketed as a romance, I expected the story to focus mainly on Boreum and Yohan—and while it does, a lot of other things happen that I personally feel weren’t necessary. Alongside the romantic storyline, the drama also dives into school-related issues, a corrupt dean, preparations for a project competition, and even includes an LGBT subplot. I appreciate that it doesn’t stick to just one genre and that it attempts to blend romance with slice-of-life elements. I also like that it highlights the struggles students face and shows how much they care about their school, to the point of protesting for better facilities.

However, despite those positives, I often found myself bored. Many episodes focused heavily on school problems or Boreum’s life as a computer-science prodigy. If the title weren’t “Love.exe,” I might have understood the direction more—but since it implies a romance-driven story, I expected more romantic development and fewer scenes centered on individual problems or school politics. There were a lot of “dead moments,” especially when Boreum and her friends talked about tech topics that non-techy viewers might find dull. I caught myself skipping scenes and even felt eager to finish the drama just to get it over with.

In the end, I’m giving it a solid 6.5 because it does have potential. It has a story to tell, and the concept is interesting, but the execution fell short for me. I liked parts of it, but I was mostly bored. The drama covers a lot, but it still feels like something is missing—and with better balance and tighter storytelling, it could have been much stronger.

Boreum’s acting was also a bit mid. I like her as an actress, but I felt she failed to deliver the necessary emotion in several scenes that were supposed to be more impactful. Some of her expressions felt plain and repetitive throughout certain moments. While the character suited her and she portrayed the role decently, her overall performance still felt average to me.

Yohan, on the other hand, is noticeably improving. I liked his facial expressions and the way he carried his character, though he still has room to grow. His role in this drama was charming, and I genuinely enjoyed his chemistry with Boreum. Their scenes together gave me kilig moments, which is why I was a bit disappointed that they only had around 15–20% of the screen time together though I was hoping for more romance between them, especially for a drama.

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Subestimado

Agora que finalmente terminei o drama, vou dar uma opinião bem sincera: eu gostei muito.

Ele parte de uma premissa simples e objetiva, e o maior mérito da obra é justamente se manter fiel a ela do primeiro ao último episódio.

Tudo gira em torno da vida e da ideia de gerar: um médico obstetra, uma astronauta responsável por experimentos de reprodução de roedores no espaço, a fecundação secreta na estação espacial para que o sogro do protagonista continuasse sua linhagem, enfim, a trama nunca foge do que se propôs a discutir. Gerar é a base de tudo, e isso dá uma coesão muito bonita à narrativa.

Dentro disso, nada mais natural do que desenvolver um relacionamento entre o médico e a astronauta, o que acrescenta justamente a possibilidade de gerar vida no espaço também no plano humano. Eu gostei bastante de como essa relação foi construída. Ele é um personagem que nunca havia se apaixonado, e dividir um espaço tão íntimo e extremo com uma mulher tão dedicada, tão focada em criar e preservar a vida, acaba encantando ele. Ela, por sua vez, vive um tabu profissional ao se envolver com um turista espacial enquanto comandante, e as situações constantes de risco e quase-morte são fundamentais para despertar esse vínculo entre eles. Tudo isso fez sentido dentro do contexto.

O drama é muito gostoso de assistir. Tem um ritmo fácil, é acessível, não se perde em termos científicos nem tenta parecer mais inteligente do que é. Apesar de ser sci-fi, ele não foca em estudos técnicos, mas nas relações humanas. Acompanhar a rotina dos astronautas enquanto pessoas, convivendo, trabalhando, trocando experiências naquele ambiente tão específico, foi algo realmente prazeroso.

A mensagem do drama é bastante clara, até óbvia demais em alguns momentos, e eu nem concordo com ela. Mas, olhando como ficção, isso não me incomodou. Toda obra quer dizer alguma coisa, seja política, social ou emocional, e aqui o diretor escolheu passar a mensagem dele de forma direta. Eu gosto de assistir às coisas de forma crítica, e isso não me impede de aproveitar, pelo contrário, enriquece a experiência. Dá para perceber as intenções por trás de algumas falas e acontecimentos, especialmente quando lembramos da crise demográfica que a Coreia enfrenta hoje. Ainda assim, isso não estragou minha experiência, deu para discordar e, ao mesmo tempo, aproveitar personagens, diálogos e situações.

Um bom exemplo disso é a cena em que ela joga as mórulas fora e ele a chama de assassina. Eu discordo completamente da visão dele, mas o personagem foi construído exatamente para pensar assim. Ele é coerente consigo mesmo e com seu papel na história, e isso torna a cena válida dentro da lógica da narrativa.

Outro ponto forte é como o drama foi soltando pistas sutis desde o início sobre como tudo terminaria. O final não parece jogado, aleatório ou inventado às pressas, a história caminha para ele desde o começo, construindo aquele desfecho aos poucos.

Sinceramente, eu não entendo por que esse drama foi tão criticado. A trilha sonora é ótima, a fotografia é linda, os efeitos especiais são muito bem feitos e deixam tudo visualmente prazeroso. As cenas de tensão no espaço me deixaram com o coração na boca, e as cenas mais leves me fizeram rir à toa.

Ele não é complexo, não é profundo, mas também nunca prometeu ser. Isso não significa que seja vazio. Pelo contrário, achei interessante como o drama insere de forma natural aspectos reais das missões espaciais, a rotina, os exercícios diários por causa da perda de massa muscular, os enjoos, as sequelas físicas, inclusive ligadas à gravidez, sem transformar isso em algo técnico demais ou didático demais. São fatos reais inseridos com leveza, que enriquecem a trama sem sobrecarregar.

A química do casal é muito boa, e embora eu ache que o sentimento deles avançou rápido demais, relevei isso pelo contexto. Quando você confina pessoas em situações extremas, os sentimentos realmente se intensificam, basta ver como isso acontece até em realities como Big Brother.

Mesmo na simplicidade, os personagens conseguiram me emocionar, me fazer rir e até chorar (muito, em especial no último episódio).

Agora, se alguém me disser que se frustrou porque criou expectativas muito altas por causa da roteirista, eu entendo. Pelo peso do nome dela, esse realmente é um trabalho mais simples e modesto, poderia ter mais nuances, mais subentendidos, relações mais complexas. Mas claramente houve uma escolha do diretor por uma mensagem clara e uma narrativa linear. E, dentro dessa proposta, ele foi muito bem-sucedido.

No fim, é isso, um drama muito bom, coeso, linear, fiel à própria proposta e tecnicamente muito bem feito, que entrega exatamente o que promete, sem fingir ser algo que não é.

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He Yu, He Yu, He Yu

Speed and Love stays true to its core: romance. At the center of it all is He Yu, who delivers an undeniably captivating performance as Jin Zhao. His microexpressions, subtle intensity, and overall portrayal make the character irresistibly charming and sexy.Honestly, he carries a lot of the show’s emotional weight with nothing more than his eyes and that devastating smile.

Esther, meanwhile, leans once again into her familiar persona: cute, bubbly, and a little childish. While I do like her, this particular style of acting can feel repetitive, and at times even tiring. I found myself skipping through several romantic scenes simply because the dynamic felt a bit too cringey (because of Esther’s childish expressions) for my taste.

That said, the drama as a whole is still enjoyable. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s sweet enough to make your heart flutter, largely thanks to He Yu’s performance. With themes of family, friendship, and love woven throughout, Speed and Love remains a worthwhile watch for anyone craving a light, romance‑driven series.

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A solid reincarnation of asadora magic

This show, while not being quite as non-stop progression as Asa ga Kita, or with quite as compelling a protagonist as Tori ni Tsubasa, still manages to capture that magnetic pull the best asadoras have. Despite being more slice-of-life-like (not usually my cup of tea), the incredibly strong cast of characters and persistent themes kept me engaged through all 156 episodes. The show managed to produce and resolve conflicts gracefully, and even did a better job with compelling antagonists than Carnation. Are all the other asadoras I've listed (in my opinion) better than this one? Oh for sure. But I would still classify this as an excellent show. Even if the main character was a bit ditsy and we didn't get to see her grow old.

Never could've predicted the ending, by the way.

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