Reviews

Missing the Chemistry

I’ve been a huge fan of Lee Jae Wook since Alchemy of Souls and try to follow all his projects, but I just can't seem to find that spark anymore. Unfortunately, this drama was another disappointment for me. First of all, the romance felt forced, and there was almost zero chemistry between the leads.
While the first two episodes managed to hook me, the show quickly devolved into classic K-drama clichés: recycled traumas, endlessly gossiping/nosy villagers, and that unbearable love triangle. No one asked for that.
Honestly, the second couple's story and chemistry were way more engaging and fun. At least I could feel a genuine spark between them!

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Some Stories Never Leave You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved Bad Buddy so much, and I know it'll always be my comfort show. Even after all these years, I still find myself going back to it whenever I miss Ohm and Nanon. Their chemistry was something truly special—so natural, effortless, and unforgettable that it made every scene feel real.

The show is fun, heartwarming, and endlessly rewatchable. I still listen to the OSTs regularly, and every time they come on, they bring back all the feelings I had when I first watched the series. And of course, the rooftop kiss remains one of the best and most iconic kiss scenes in BL history. Five years later, Bad Buddy still has a place in my heart, and I don't think that's ever going to change.

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Big bad wolf and his damsel in distress

YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszepnkojZI6dCriKkjM96prEY5v2Nhtu

GMMTV's Twilight-Wannabe. Not as bad as some people make it out to be, but not good either. An alright one-time watch that is only enjoyable if you turn off your brain.

Things I liked:
1. Cute moments.
2. Tonkla. Nice and supportive friend.
3. Insane chemistry.
4. Plot twist. Genuinely made this series much better in my opinion.

Things I disliked:
1. Special effects.
2. Main character acting like a child for the majority of the series.
3. The fact that Mark was looking after the main character since he was just a baby feels extremely predatory.
4. A LOT of inconsistencies throughout the series. For example, vampires are supposed to be way stronger and faster than humans, yet on multiple occasions Tong overpowers them.
5. No explanation for anything. To put it bluntly, the whole plot doesn't make any sense.
* You want to know more about vampires?
Too bad, enjoy a two-minute explanation that makes absolutely no sense.
* Want to know more about the golden blood, its lore, and where it's originating from?
Well, good luck with that one since nobody is explaining it to you.
The whole writing is pure nonsense!
It really wouldn't take that much to spend an extra few days or even hours to develop a more interesting and meaningful story that actually makes sense.
6. Nakan's death was so unnecessary, like let's be real.

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The New Peak of GMMTV!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WU is hands down the best GMMTV series ever made. Every aspect of this show is exceptional. The acting is on another level, and Sky and Nani's chemistry is absolutely electric. The OSTs are incredible, the cinematography is stunning, and so many scenes will leave you with goosebumps.

The cast is stacked with talented actors, and every one of them delivers. What I love most is the vibe—it reminds me of the best Chinese bromance dramas, the kind of stories I can never get enough of.

I already thought High School Frenemy was peak, but WU somehow managed to surpass it. This world has so much more to offer, and it deserves a Season 2. I genuinely don't want this story to end.

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Ending hints Soo-ho + Yeo-joo will be a couple. Yeo-joo takes it slow. Want season 2

The ending strongly hints that Yeo-joo and Soo-ho will eventually be together.
Yeo-joo isn't necessarily playing hard to get; she's just cautious and wants to take things slowly. Soo-ho seems to understand that, which is why he smiles—he realizes she isn't rejecting him, and he's willing to keep pursuing her at her pace.
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The smile from Soo-ho at the end can definitely be read as:
- He realizes Yeo-joo isn't rejecting him.
- He understands that she's the type of person who won't rush into a relationship.
- He's willing to keep pursuing her because he now believes there's hope.

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Could be better!

I have to admit this drama had been on my list for years because of Deng Wei. But I also like the whole casts in general, and seeing them altogether is such a pleasure. I'm super happy to watch this one after it was shelved for three long years. Even after watching and I do have disappointments, I am grateful that we are able to watch it finally. And I am now relieved it is over. I will still recommend it to those who like the cast, not mind old school feel unserious drama.
The good thing is that I do like Deng Wei's character Zheng Shi&Lou Qi Yan a lot. It is just precious to see Deng Wei in this vibe, the cunning man who is morally gray although he had people he genuinely care that is his grandfather and Fan Yun. Moreover, him being a merchant is a bonus charisma. I am really glad to him together act with venteran actor who played his grandfather. Their scenes are my favorite in this drama, although they are brief the emotions were played out so well that made me impressed. (as well as the whole Zheng clan in Jing City arc in few last episodes is the most enjoyable for me), And maybe because I am a little bias, I am actually a little sad that he was loser in love here. Besides I also wished to be more convinced why he fell in love with her aside from he was fond of her playing erhu. And oh that ending tragedy of his doesn't make sense and after all this is a lighter tone drama, they should not cut the ending scene of him coming back at all. This is one of main reasons why I cut score from my rating.
(I'd love to see Deng Wei take more more projects as ML in upcoming days).
P.S I am very delighted with Liu Yuning song being played at his last scene. This song is truely for Zheng Shi.

I just finished Mysterious Lotus Case book not so long ago, and generally very fond of Joseph Zeng there. I like his acting in general. But I will blame the character writing here. That is absolutely feel like something is lacking. Joseph could bring out Qi Zheng, the character to a fun young emperor who looks idiot but is actually smart. I actually do appreciate on Fan Yun(female lead) and inspired to do as her. However the drama fail to convince me about his wholly being smart with him folllwing and stalking female lead to a ton. (I don't mind this in some other dramas but in this one it is unnecessary and feels more annoying than touching.) Moreover, they also make him jealous in such petty way throughout to the ending episode that didn't even stop when the other person was dead alread. And yeo the likely promisng of his back story seems cut outecd. This is another main reason I do cut some scores.

As for Fan Yun, I have less connection with her. I should be cheering her in her journey to being female official, that brings equality to woman in Rosy Cloud. I couldn't go in details for now why I think I am doubtful of sometimes as a smart woman. Besides while she thought about reforming on people and gender equality, why couldn't she open up her heart to someone who support her. And she looked so " icy cold" towards romance that it is so difficult cheer the main couple in the series or let say I do not see development as much as I want to see. And this is another one of three main reasons why I cut some scores out. Li Yitong is beautiful and cute, especially in A Dream Within A Dream back then. If her upcoming dramas are interesting I would like to try too.

All in all the main plotline is actually strong, the drama tells it in an a little unengaging way with choppy editing and some plot random plot that got loss such more scene for Male Lead background story, the random brief appearing of Tian Xi sister, and the whole scene of main cp sticking in burning house and he kissed and made her play erhu is rather ridiculous than romantic,.etc

Other than that I quite enjoy many support scenes such as 2nd CP scene in which she chased him and he finally give in. I like Riley and DaiLuWa chemistry. They need a good drama together as main cp. I adore the the elders who look after Qi Zheng. The man in mask I think is charismatic. The two main subordinates of Qi Zheng are fun , especially Tian Ji Rui character who lack sense of direction. And the Wei bro who play flute in lead life in his way. I think i want to see more of these character. I'd say apart my bias Zheng Shi, they are (their acting) main reasons why it is mostly enjoyable.

Okay..I will finish my review for now. This drama has excellent casting from main to support but choppy in storytelling. The production on cinematography is generally fine for me but it is bit old school and low budget. The costume are beautiful and the songs are nice. Nonetheless I feel this story of a inspiring woman who fight for human rights and woman rights is not touching enough. It actually failure for me as a love story. But i do have certain that keep me till the end and that I enjoy of. So overall I will rate it 7.5/10.
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My previous review
**
I am now half way through The Legend of Rosy Clouds. It was such a long waited drama. I believe many of us come to watch this show because we like the casts. We had been waiting for this to come out for three years. Despite all the low ratings, once this one meets the right audience, it's going to be a worthy watch and absolutely entertaining.

This drama is old school. Visually, it would mostly remind us of those older dramas before 2020s. There are certain themes that might be turn of to modern audience such reverse heram, male leads stalking and chasing and courting female lead who is hard to get, because she has other proirity. These theme are more common back then even though nowadays we have them too, they are more subtle. For me who used to watch these types before , I am very fine with these stuffs in TV dramas.

Our female lead, Fan Yun was a teacher and born not so rich. She had this compassion towards people equality. She wants to promote gender equlity in which she wants to become official at government office to inspire others. She was successful in persuading the governor, our male lead establishing commoners being able to take exam to became government official. Its obvious, our male lead fell in love with her and willing support her ideas and policy change in 9 cities he governing. There is also a second male lead who did fall for Fan Yun after hearing her music. The man who hold two identities. One noble, and another ruthless merchant. This is a love triangle indeed, that one needs to lose.

Apart from our three main characters, we also get the second couple which is very refreshing. That is Gao Ran and Wei Shi San, in which she did chase him throughout. And when she had to stop. He missed her. This second cp is super cute. Riley Wang and Dai Lu Wa chemistry is superb.

So far this drama doesn't really have evil hateful villain so far. All the characters have their own point of view in life. Changing policy sometimes tak e times. And sometimes people wont want to change when their lives are seen as good already.

The acting from the whole cast is majestic. But i do have to admit this drama suffer bad edits and cuts that can turn off some audiences too. However, the main plotline is still understandable which is why I won't ever say this is a bad drama.

The drama is light and comedy even with some politics and some of point of views to think about if you catch it. But not in a very serious way. And all the characters had their funny side. I normally like easy going drama and I like casts here so this drama is just for me. Im very happy we can watch it after all the issues in three years. I recommend it to anyone who likes the casts, likes comedie, noting minding being old school. Just try it.

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A great Chinese counterfeit with Chinese flavor - hilariously funny

This is delightful! it is super crafty... lmao Chinese imported So Ji Sub to be THE hot guy, and then put a Chinese ML who looks like So Ji Sub somewhat but is not that well kept beautiful you know the deal with Korean skin and working out .... THis is 2009 movie but it has guys' bathroom scene just wrapped in a towel - I guess other dramas copied this one? So Ji Sub was SML and did not have to act much.... besides the towel scenes...

On the plus side, Chinese ML is a pretty good actor and is incredibly CHARMING and convincing as a hot lover. Highly recommended. If you want to see a really hot Chinese guy, this ML beats all the anorexic looking androgenous skinny pale boys with make up that are currently the rage in China. Those kids are ... nothing. Watch this drama to see a real one :)
Also this was before being skinny was so fashionable, So Ji Sub looks amazing in that towel, and also Anna actress looks WOW amazing. What a body. Also, the FL actress has nice legs you can see she walks and exercises, the legs are toned.

Also there are lots of Hwood tricks, including the names of the Chinese in the drama - Sophie, Gordon, Anna, .... and the facial gestures that look like Hwood...

BUT as usual, Chinese did a great copycat counterfeit and made it their own, this is actually hilarious and has that off hinge humor like Stephen Chow movies from Hong Kong, and I love it. It is really fun.

I just watched a phenomenal Chinese Counterfeit with real Chinese flavor and it is totally hilarious. Sophie's Revenge 2009 Chinese rom com with So Ji Sub as 2ML. He did not have to act much besides parade around in towel. But Chinese ML is his copy lmao but does not look that well kept, however, is a very good actor and super charming and really a hot lover. A lot better than the girly pale skinny guys with make up in current cdramas... The movie has Stephen Chow from Hong Kong humor, I love it. Link in spoiler
I really dislike most cdramas and cmovies bc they have the pompous overdramatic serious feel of a military parade, BUT once in a blue moon when Chinese make something good it is EXCEPTIONAL

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A Beautiful Story That Deserved a Better Goodbye

I really enjoyed A Splendid Match overall. The drama had a lot going for it, beautiful cinematography, gorgeous costumes, a solid cast, and leads with amazing chemistry. The romance was sweet without feeling overly cheesy, and I liked that the relationship was built on trust and mutual respect. The political and family conflicts kept things interesting, and for the most part, the pacing was good.

The cast also did a fantastic job. Even the supporting characters felt memorable, and many of them had storylines that made you care about what would happen to them. That's actually why the ending was so disappointing.

My biggest issue is that the ending felt way too rushed. After spending dozens of episodes developing these characters and their relationships, the finale wrapped everything up so quickly that it barely gave the audience time to process anything. It honestly felt like the story was cut short.

Several important character arcs never received the resolution they deserved. There were relationships that needed proper closure, lingering conflicts that were brushed aside, and supporting characters whose endings were either implied or completely skipped. Instead of giving us satisfying conclusions, the drama seemed to jump straight to the finish line.

It's frustrating because the journey was genuinely enjoyable. The writers spent so much time building the world and making us emotionally invested in these characters, only to rush through the part where all that investment should have paid off. Even just one or two more episodes could have made a huge difference by giving everyone the closure they had earned.

That said, I don't think the rushed ending ruins the entire drama. The performances, chemistry, visuals, and emotional moments throughout the series are still worth watching. I just wish the finale had slowed down enough to let the story breathe and properly conclude the characters' journeys.

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Horribly Dull. Not for a lover of the original OVA

How does one turn Rurouni Kenshin into the most lifeless, boring soulless rendition ever? Watch this movie!

The fight scenes like the duel between Kenshin and Okita Souji are cool- undoubtably they must be incredibly difficult to execute.

The second half is better than the first- that part reminds me of the original story. Still it’s not the same and doesn’t evoke the same emotion as the anime.

This version is more “star studded” than the first one I saw (2012)- with Chishiya —I mean Nijirō Murakami and Takahashi Issey in the cast. The first thing I noticed what this woman’s horrible makeup job- with this white patchy powder on her face. It looks like some cheap makeup did that, her hair is a mess and her lipstick is all over the place. What on earth?

And what’s up with the Indian classical style flute? This is Rurouni Kenshin not the Ramayana! It’s totally out of place. The director is totally out of his element here.

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Verso la fine poteva essere anche un 8,5.

Sapetem e se non lo sapete lo scoprirete ora, io sono fan delle coppie fisse e uno dei miei motti nel mondo del BL è questo "rotta una ship, se ne fa un'altra". E sono sempre convinta di questa cosa. Però devo dire che MeenPing avevano prorpio una bella chimica e forse delle tre serie loro che ho visto questa è quella che la mostra di più. Però questa serie poteva essere benissimo interpretata da SkyNani (per evitare di dire la parola con la B) e avrebbe perso molto poco del complesso, anche perché parla di più dei valori di amicizia e di sostegno l'uno con l'altro. Mi sono piaciuti molto i personaggi e devo dire che tutte le coppie che ci vengono presentate hanno la loro unicità e la loro carineria (a proposito, a me è partita la ship fra il preside e il caoch e nessuno mi dirà il contrario: nel senso che il preside sicuramente ha una crush irrisolta per il coach e quest'ultimo, ora che sta superando la colpa per la morte della moglie, sicuramente può darsi una seconda possibilità all'amore. ve lo avevo detto che mi era partita la ship, e quando mi parte la ship a me parte anche la ff) e anche il personaggio di Emi, seppur non sono abituata a vederla che ci prova con i ragazzi, mi è piaciuto.
Quindi devo dire, se non l'avete ancora vista è molto consigliata come cosa chill, che però ti deprime un po' in alcuni punti, tipo quando Que deve decidere e uccide il suo boss, anche se lui era indeciso fra Ryu e il boss. Insomma una serie con un discreto inzio e una ahimè però meh fine, perché hanno fatto un sacco di cose nel giro di 10 minuti, che potevano al 100% non mettere. Detto ciò bella, l'unica cosa e che nemmeno dopo morta credo che Meen possa passare per uno studente delle superiori. Non passava per uno studente delle superiori nemmeno quando era alle superiori...

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Hollow, flat, lacks depth and life of the anime

As a longtime lover of the anime, I’ve tried to watch this first movie several times, and I get that they don’t follow the anime timeline or stories exactly and that’s fine, but what I’m looking for is more of the vibe, the soul, the essence of the anime. And like many live action movie versions of great anime’s (My Happy Marriage is another example of this), this live action movie fails to capture the magic and essence of the anime. It’s not about the story or the plot points, this live action version is like kenshin with no soul. Don’t get me wrong, Takeru Satoh has done an incredible job playing Himura Kenshin, and he is the only character worth watching and embodies some of the soul of the anime. He has that purity, innocence, but the deadly strength. The rest are hollow, flat, and very one note. Kaoru, Yahiko, Sanosuke, heck even Jinei- how is it that all of them are like flat 2d puppets that lack the depth of the anime? Kind of ironic right? The “real” human actors -when they try to mimic the depth of a 2d animation, they fail miserably and look hollow and flat.

Why does Kaoru let Kenshin get arrested even though he saved her and the school from the rowdy men? At the very least, she would need him for protection. It’s obviously not in the original story, and is totally useless, and just makes her look like an ungrateful person. So weird. The scene with Jinei is so lackluster- she overcomes the trance in 2 seconds and they’re like “Uh oh the spell broke!” It’s so lame!

The villain is wearing this weird fake Halloween teeth on his lower row of teeth and with that haircut and that ridiculous pompous background music theme, he just comes across as a joker. A joker is fine- the anime has plenty of that, but like I said, it is hollow.

The music of the Kenshin anime series is like the heart and soul of it- the music breathes life into it. The music here is again hollow, adds nothing to the movie at all. People rated these movies highly for their star power and keep marveling at “wow it’s one of the best anime adaptations!” If this is the best, then I don’t want to know what the worst is. I don’t plan to find out. Stick with the anime. It has soul that these movies don’t have.

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Brutally Insane Ride You can Barely Breathe

Kwon Yu, an ex national athlete who is now living off his mom who works as hospice worker, quietly wasting away his life by playing video games around the clock. A phonecall offering reward of $300 for returning a phone turned his life into a living hell. The next morning, he wakes up to a police raid, convicted with a crime he knew nothing of, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He finally decides to escape when his mom died mysteriously amid his appeal. Determined to exonerate himself, he teams up with his online gaming team to track down the men behind his frame-up.

I had to say this is one of the most engaging kmovie I’ve ever watched. The level of blood being spilled in those brutal fight sequences is unimaginable. Ji Changwook is exceedingly phenomenal here, the writer definitely did quite a number on his role - he gets beaten, sexually assaulted, drugged, shot and crashed into non stop. Even when I saw The Worst of Evil, his role had not been as brutally injured as this Kwon Yu. The action and special effects team are astronomically excellent here with those hand-to-hand fights, car chases and explosions. Totally love the car chase especially when the good guys had to work with that tiny compact car compared to beamers and mercedes benz that the villains drive.

The plot twists, the angst, the fury of both good guys and villains as they outwit each other back to back keeps me at the edge of my seat in the whole duration of the movie. Gosh I’d really rewatch this just for the action. As usual, i cant really find any faults with korean actors, they carried their role too well even those with the small parts. I really love the foreigner roles that were ever so small but were actually the tipping point between Kwon Yu getting caught and escaping. Man, the whole production is truly awesome.

I am glad I watched this in movie format compared to the series The Manipulated (also starring Ji Chang Wook), cuz I dont think I can handle the anger and frustration of seeing ML getting assaulted and outwitted by the villains on a longer basis.

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