Reviews

One of the most realistic depictions of war I've watched.

I somehow found this dubbed in English. It actually wasn't that bad, but I wish I could have found it in Korean. Weirdly enough, I could only find it in English and Russian.

Set in Korea, July 1953, during the battle of the Kamgang Bridge. I personally don't know much about this battle, but I'm very interested in studying it & the war itself after watching this movie. I'm not sure how much truth I will get from it since the winners write our history, but I'm interested nonetheless.

All the focus is on this one bridge. One side is trying to destroy it while the other keeps rebuilding. It's a never-ending cycle of hope being built up and then crushed. We get the POV of the Korean ground troops and the American fighter pilots. The two stories aren't told in sync, so it was a little confusing until I realized that. This movie doesn't try to get you emotionally attached to any of the characters; it's showing you the reality of war through their eyes. And it's an uplifting and soul-crushing thing to see. Uplifting because of the sheer tenacity of humans, but soul-crushing because you see how cruel and greedy some can be over the littlest things. (I'm going to stop there before I go on a rant.)

I won't spoil it, but the ending scene was the reason I watched this movie, and it was honestly an empowering thing to see. Even more so because of the 2 hours building up to that moment. Then it ends by showing us a fully built bridge in the same place, I'm guessing, in the present day, and I got a sense of pride seeing it.

This movie was far from perfect, but it's a story that I believe needed to be told.

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Regret is a punishment worse than death

Some love stories leave you smiling, while others leave scars on your heart. *Goodbye My Princess* is an unforgettable tragedy of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and regret.

Xiao Feng was a beautiful, innocent princess who wanted nothing more than to love and be loved. Unfortunately, she fell for Li Cheng Yin, a man whose ambition, deception, and hunger for power destroyed everything precious to her.

What makes this drama heartbreaking is that he truly loved her, yet his selfishness, jealousy, and political ambitions caused her unimaginable suffering. He wanted her love while refusing to face the destruction he had brought upon her family and homeland.

The most devastating moment comes when Xiao Feng sacrifices her own life to bring peace between two countries, choosing to end the bloodshed rather than allow more innocent lives to be lost.

As she lies dying, her final words to him, **"Turns out that fox was not able to wait... for her girl,"** bring their love story full circle. Those few words carry a lifetime of broken promises, lost innocence, and a love that could never survive betrayal.

The performances, costumes, scenery, and music were breathtaking.

**My verdict:** A masterpiece of heartbreak. Xiao Feng deserved happiness but instead became the ultimate sacrifice for peace. Li Cheng Yin may have gained power, but he lost the one person he truly loved. A haunting reminder that sometimes regret is a punishment worse than death. 💔

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Cute little BL Fluff Template on Speed

If you are one of those serious BL critics who are wanting the artform to develop and become more real-world engaged -- then this is definitely NOT FOR YOU.

But if you want a beguiling template of the original BL fluff series YOU ARE IN LUCK.

Its major flaw is that it's more like a series of teasers for what could actually be a series. Very short episodes on fast forward and all the action and storyline like a synopsis of an (imaginary) longer show.

If you are a 'smut-hound' (the most hilarious description ever; which a MDL reviewer once used to describe themselves!) THEN YOU ARE BEYOND OUT OF LUCK. there is zilch NC content. (Tho this is Taiwanese and it looks like the retro govt. directives are beginning to impact...?)

So why have I rated it high? Imagine a rainy afternoon when you really need to watch something nice with your plushy; grab some snacks and sink into the fluff.

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Insufferable treatment of Xiao Fang

I watched about 4 episodes out of 18 of this drama. I also went to a few other episodes and clicked on them to see if things were slightly different / better but … nope IMO.

Pls note: Different strokes for different folks and there is no accounting for tastes. 🙏🏼✌🏼

After reading the kind sharings by others, I thought to give it a try. The first episode was all right. The second episode onwards got more and more insufferable. The ML’s family didn’t treat the FL as a human being. “She’s pregnant, so her price will be cheap.” Hey, she was having a baby! And the baby had a father - your son. The whole family was stingy and mercenary and full of misogynistic nonsense. It was painful to watch and I hated seeing them yelling and plotting. The FL’s family seemed tight knit but had their own woes. Everyone so called wanted the best for either the ML or the FL but was making things worse and worse for both of them. Additionally, the ML didn’t have spine and was also insufferable to watch. As the drama continued, I became more and more upset and angrier and angrier. I felt that such great injustice was done to Xiao Fang and to women, in general, who get impregnated and bear children without love and respect and dignity and support from the partner/ spouse. I felt true pain - emotional and mental! I was boiling mad! Xiao Fang deserved better and she was a pretty fine girl.

I think it’s good to remember that no matter boy or girl - to his/ her family, this child is precious and so, pls treat the child as you would your own. Not asking you to love him/ her as you would towards your own flesh and blood but at least to be respectful and kind towards this individual.

Due to the pain I felt, I could not continue watching this drama. It reeks of misogyny and small minds and old patriarchal mentality/ practices which irk me to no end! Bye to this one!

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I’m sure it’s great, but I was bored

I wanted to like it. Interesting premise (female forensic pathologist conducting autopsies in Ancient China with wooden spoons and potions!)
The various ‘cases’ are engaging, and everything looks nice, costumes, sets, actors…
After hearing much about it, I was a bit underwhelmed by the chemistry between the two main leads. She’s a strong woman and he’s a hidden prince green flag, so far so good, but the romance never grabbed me.
I didn’t so much drop it as I drifted off.
I’m still rating it quite high, because it’s a great quality historic C-drama, and there are many reasons to like.
Just not for me.

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That’s why everyone raves about OffGun

My first OffGun and I wasn’t prepared.
In fact, I only started watching because I liked the premise.
A burnt out artist is horrified to find his muse in reclusive, anti-social and insomniac venture capitalist.
Just the story for its own sake is great—great plot, well-written and well-paced.
It delivers some meaningful messages about art, inspiration, burnout and inconvenient relationships.
It’s not very long, so no filler episodes and no droopy middle or stretched out ending.
The cinematography, the sets and the costumes are all very good, but of course what stands out is the acting and the chemistry.
Gun, I have discovered, is THE whole range of human emotions bundled up and barely held together by skin. He exudes emotions (here, mostly deep sadness and dismay and after a while very reluctant attraction). He is mesmerising and if he’s on the screen, you cannot look away.
He would steal every scene if not for what Off also brings to the table. There, the emotions are deeper and hidden, and his character’s growing attraction and dependence on the person whose time he is buying, is the main motor of the story.
I’m sure reams have been written about the OffGun magic. For me, what makes their unmissable chemistry is that it shouldn’t work. Where Gun is graceful and expressive, Off is still and self-contained, and where Off is stoic, Gun always seems on the verge of tears.
But the minute the scene takes a romantic turn, the ease with which they interact (probably due to their long professional partnership) delivers all the feels. There is a kiss scene that is one single, uninterrupted movement - neither rushed nor ‘gaze into each other’s eyes for ages’ slow - and it looks like a dance.
Overall, I loved this series. It’s a story first, then a love story, then a BL.
I’d recommend it to people who wonder why on Earth you like BLs… you might recruit them!

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Per me esiste solo la prima metà!

Questo drama nei primi episodi aveva settato delle aspettative altissime ma a metà cola a picco e continua a precipitare sempre più in basso. Prima e seconda parte sembrano essere due storie completamente diverse che non comunicano minimamente tra loro. I fantasmi che dovevano essere il cardine della storia (visto anche il titolo) semplicemente spariscono dalla seconda metà in poi, come se non ci fossero mai stati, neanche un accenno se non qualche scena messa lì a caso nell'episodio finale. Cosa hanno fatto? Sembra abbiamo incollato alla storia originale una sceneggiatura che avevano lì a prendere polvere da chissà quanti anni! Per quanto riguarda gli attori sono entrambi molto bravi e nella prima parte hanno dimostrato una chimica pazzesca, peccato che la sceneggiatura scadente mandi tutto in fumo nella seconda parte. Per quanto mi riguarda fingerò che questo drama termini all'episodio 6, il 4 è stato il mio preferito, penso uno dei migliori episodi tra tutti i kdrama che ho visto. Non riesco a capire come tanta maestria sia completamente scomparsa nella seconda parte

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Unexpectedly funny and cute with lots of lessons and heart

Why is this so underrated? Junyoung and Eunji’s acting is so natural. Usually comedy seems forced, but these 2 are so natural at it. It just feels like the characters are them in real life. I loved it more than Waikiki

Also, I came here not expecting much romance because I read the comments first. I came here expecting it to be a comedy. I did not like the first five minutes opening, but after that I was just laughing and laughing. I had some tears here and there, which I didn’t expect. I was touched here and there too. I didn’t expect this to be heartwarming and relatable at the same time. Plus… The romance was so good despite being minimal, I think it only started around the last 3-5 episodes. It wasn’t a lot, but it was cute and the real definition of a healthy relationship. I loved the lessons too. This definitely had more than the other comedy’s I’ve watched.

And it was a satisfying ending.

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Grow Up Wakako, You are 26, not 6.

The food is great as always but I have an issue with this character. Well first of all her “pshuu” is just weird and annoying. It wasn’t annoying in the anime for obvious reasons. But this grown woman is trying too hard to be cute. And random waiters/restaurant staff acting like this average looking woman is Miss Universe like the Okinawa episode where the waiter was like “Look at this girl everybody! Isn’t she cute? Let me give you some free food!!” Ick..

In season 2 for some reason this 26 year old grown woman keeps talking about “It’s so much fun growing up! When I grow up I want to be like that old woman over there!” She sees the older woman tuck her hair behind her ear, and Wakako imitates it and says “Is this the grown up thing to do?” As if she’s 5 year old trying to grow up wearing adult high heels. The only problem is she’s not a child. She’s a grown adult with a job acting like an infantilized child. It ends up looking like she has age regression issues or arrested emotional development (I don’t think that’s what they were going for). Her childish behavior in an adult’s body is annoying so I’m docking points for her acting. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of genuine innocence in adults- it’s a very endearing quality. But many people try so hard to be cute without real innocence in their aura, so it looks like a mimicry or cheap imitation of innocence. Wakako just looks disingenuous to me. Grow up and stop acting like a preschooler and as if everyone around you is terribly old and you’re a baby. Her acting is appropriate for a 6 year old but not a 26 year old. Her “Pshuu” becomes even more irritating in this context.

Episode 8- what’s with the first 10 mins of this episode? The potato salad place where two weirdos show up in the restaurant, one with a mask on and clownish behavior- it’s not entertaining or cute or funny. It’s just highly irritating like wtf did I just watch? This series is starting to really irritate me. And what’s with Wakako’s thoughts appearing on screen and/or looking into the camera and making weird expressions. Ick. Second dish- she went to a restaurant to get a tuna can with onions and mayonnaise? Is this a joke? What’s with her hysterical expressions “ii neeee!!!” and dramatic background music and “pshuu!” For a can of tuna and mayo she could have made at home? 800 yen is too much for that. I find it amusing that Wakako is getting more nosy, poking her head into others’ conversations or food, deliberately staring at them until they give her the side eye.

While I do generally love the chill guitar background music in the series, sometimes the BGM tends to be nonstop, jumping from one tune to another without a break, but I don’t mind it so much. But the intro song to season 2 “Imasugu oshiete hoshiii…” is just as cringe as Wakako’s “Pshuu” in the middle of a crowded restaurant while people look at her like she’s crazy. The first season was so much better in every way.

All that said, that mapo tofu episode inspired me so much that I ran to my nearest Hmart to get all the ingredients to make the dish! I heard restaurants make a huge profit on mapo tofu since the ingredients are so cheap and it’s easy to make. Anyways despite all my complaining I will continue to finish the series.

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So glad I looked past the thumbnail

I don’t know who designed that and why, but the actors barely look like themselves and the vibe is completely different to that of the actual series.
It was a case of TikTok made me do it, and I have no regrets.
I loved the story of the rookie actor forming an immediate bond with the well-seasoned but disillusioned famous actor and quickly becoming his protector, despite the age gap and the difference in social/professional status.
(The dynamic of the much younger, gently protective, emotionally healthy, top reminded me of Kiseki, dear to Me.)
Smart and Boom are amazing actors and their chemistry is strong, subtle and many-layered. The scene where the two MCs meet on set and P’Akin teaches Jin to cry on cue is mesmerising. They look into each other’s eyes and their tears come up slowly, and you can almost touch their blossoming fascination with each other.
After that scene, I was sold and binged the whole thing in one sitting.
If it was available on my TV (it’s on WeTV and I had to watch it on my computer), I would have rewatched it already.
Fan of Thai BLs or not, this is a great watch.

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Unlike so many sequels that have little to do with the original, A Chinese Ghost Story II, carried on the tale of low-level scholar and tax collector, Ning Choi San played once again by Leslie Cheung. Tony Ching Siu Tung returned behind the camera and Joey Wong in a new role in front of it.

Ning Choi San returns home with a broken heart having lost his ghost love Siu Sin recently. The town is in tatters, run by hooligans and before he knows it, he’s thrown in jail by bounty collectors who aren’t concerned with correctly identifying their targets. In the jail he becomes acquainted with his cellmate who is a prolific and slightly mad writer. On the day of Ning’s execution, Elder Chu gives him his medallion and a book as he shows him the secret tunnel out of the jail. After escaping, Ning runs into a Taoist priest, rebels intent on rescuing a wrongly accused official, a monster ghost, imperial guards, a demon who disguises himself as a giant Buddha, a giant centipede…oh, and Siu Sin’s doppelgänger.

The story was all over the place with different elements competing for the viewer’s attention. Yet, I can’t say that I was ever bored. Leslie Cheung was beautiful as the courageous and vulnerable Ning. Joey Wong was given a stronger role here as the heroine Fu Ching Fung. I liked that despite Fu’s sister also developing a crush on Ning (I mean, who wouldn’t?), the two never fought over him or split up over him. The romance was rushed, but with Leslie and Joey, I was willing to let it slide. I can’t say that I’m a fan of Jacky Cheung but I found him entertaining in this role as the comedic ground burrowing Taoist priest willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Waise Lee had a nice part as Swordsman Hu who came to recognize good from evil even as he tried to fulfill his mission. Wu Ma showed up near the end of the film to once again help save the day as Swordsman Yan in an atrocious wig and beard.

The special effects weren’t very special but it was 1990. If Godzilla’s rubber suit had caught on fire and melted, it would have looked similar to the first monster ghost. There were plenty of sparkly explosions and laser lights. When Wu Ma made his dramatic entrance, I could see the wires. Maybe attention to detail wasn’t terribly important in this film.

Despite the clunky attempt to tie several plot lines and monsters together into a somewhat cohesive story, I enjoyed A Chinese Ghost Story II. It was fun, silly, melodramatic, romantic, and action packed. You just need to put your brain in a time machine to remember or discover an era when special effects were very low tech and focus on how disturbingly charismatic Leslie Cheung was. (RIP)

28 October 2026

Trigger warnings: Snakes in one scene-a lot of them. A body hacked in half. Disemboweled people. A character was dis-armed.

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Hioki and Watarai Are Back, From School Trip Romance to Dating, Jealousy and New Challenges

I am so happy we finally got a second season! Last year, School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To was one of my favourite Japanese BLs, and I absolutely loved watching Hioki and Watarai slowly develop feelings for each other. Now Season 2 is finally here, and instead of starting another love story from scratch, we get something even better. Hioki and Watarai are officially in their dating era!

One thing that always frustrates me about BLs is how so many series end just when the main couple finally confesses their feelings and gets together. We spend an entire season watching them fall in love, only for the story to end right when their actual relationship begins. That is why I am so glad this series received a continuation. This time, we get to explore what happens after the confession, when two people have to learn how to navigate their relationship while dealing with everyday life.

Now in their final year of high school, Hioki and Watarai are experiencing the excitement and challenges of being an actual couple. And honestly, Watarai is already making me laugh with how protective and jealous he gets whenever someone comes too close to Hioki! He clearly adores his boyfriend and wants him all to himself. His possessive little moments are both adorable and entertaining, especially when Hioki seems completely unaware of how much attention he attracts.

What I love about their relationship is how naturally their personalities complement each other. Hioki is sweet, innocent and sometimes adorably clueless, while Watarai is confident, affectionate and extremely protective. Their chemistry was already wonderful in Season 1, but now that they are officially together, even the smallest interactions feel more romantic. I cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to grow.

Another thing I absolutely love is the return of their supportive group of friends from Season 1. Their friendship was one of the highlights of the original series, and seeing everyone together again brings back so many wonderful memories. The flashbacks are also a lovely touch, reminding us how Hioki and Watarai first became close during that unforgettable school trip. It feels like reconnecting with old friends, and I appreciate that the series has maintained the same warmth and charm that made the first season so enjoyable.

But of course, no second season would be complete without a little drama! This time, Watarai's ex is entering the picture, and I am extremely curious to see how this will affect our main couple. Considering how jealous and overprotective Watarai already is, I can only imagine how complicated things might become when someone from his past gets involved. Will Hioki experience jealousy for the first time? Will their relationship be tested? I am definitely looking forward to finding out!

What makes this continuation so refreshing is that it focuses on the realistic challenges of young love. Falling in love is one thing, but maintaining a relationship requires trust, communication and understanding. I hope Season 2 explores these emotions while keeping the sweet, innocent romance and wonderful friendship dynamics that made Season 1 so special.

The acting and chemistry between the leads remain as charming as ever. Their interactions feel comfortable and natural, and I genuinely believe in their relationship. Japanese BLs have always been excellent at portraying these softer, emotional moments without needing excessive drama, and this series is another perfect example.

Two episodes in, and I am already giving Season 2 a solid 9/10. The romance is adorable, Watarai's jealousy is entertaining, the returning friendships are heartwarming, and the flashbacks make everything feel wonderfully nostalgic.

I loved Season 1, and I am so happy we finally get to experience Hioki and Watarai as a proper couple instead of having their story end with a confession. With Watarai's ex now entering the picture, I have a feeling their relationship is about to face some interesting challenges.

A fantastic start to Season 2, and I cannot wait for the next episode. Welcome back, Hioki and Watarai!

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Another Chinese BL Hit with Two Couples, Contract Romance, Family Secrets and Emotional Healing

Another Chinese BL, another hit! Just when The Missing Piece finished, China delivers yet another contract lover romance, and I am absolutely here for it! This time, however, Tamed feels less toxic, with a fascinating mix of emotional trauma, family secrets, complicated relationships and not one, but two main couples. What more could I ask for?

Once again, we have the classic rich and poor relationship dynamic. Cheng Yu An is a wealthy but emotionally distant man who has isolated himself from the world because of childhood trauma. Then one rainy night, fate brings Lin Qi into his life. Lin Qi is dealing with his own painful past, particularly the mysterious death of his father, who was wrongly accused. Their circumstances eventually bring them together under one roof, but this is certainly no ordinary living arrangement.

Instead, they enter a rather unusual master and pet contract! Cheng Yu An establishes strict boundaries, but the gentle and seemingly innocent Lin Qi keeps breaking his rules. What makes their relationship interesting is how Cheng Yu An gradually begins making exceptions for someone he never expected to care about. Behind his cold exterior is a deeply wounded man, and I cannot wait to see how Lin Qi slowly breaks down those emotional walls.

Meanwhile, Lin Qi is determined to uncover the truth about his father's death, while Cheng Yu An has secrets of his own. I love how the series combines romance with mystery because their relationship is clearly going to become much more complicated as the truth unfolds. Will their growing feelings bring them closer, or will the secrets of their past tear them apart?

And the best part? We have a second couple! Cheng Yu Zhe, who happens to be Cheng Yu An's brother, has a one night stand with therapist Shen Mo. Now this is another relationship I am extremely curious about! Their story already has an interesting beginning, and I cannot wait to see how a seemingly casual encounter develops into something more meaningful.

What I especially love is that both romantic storylines involve the two brothers, giving us two different relationships to follow. While Cheng Yu An and Lin Qi have the contract arrangement, emotional trauma and family mystery, Cheng Yu Zhe and Shen Mo bring another romantic dynamic into the series. Hopefully, both couples will receive enough screen time because I am already invested in their stories.

I also appreciate that Tamed seems to be taking a slightly different approach from The Missing Piece. We still have the wealthy, controlling male lead, an unconventional relationship and plenty of emotional tension, but this one feels more focused on healing, vulnerability and slowly learning to trust another person. Of course, that master and pet contract is already raising a few eyebrows, so I am not ruling out more red flags just yet!

For me, Tamed is off to a fantastic start and already deserves a 9/10. The plot is intriguing, the two couples have plenty of potential, and the combination of romance, childhood trauma, family secrets and mystery has me completely hooked.

Another promising Chinese BL, another rich and poor romance, and two brothers whose love stories I cannot wait to follow. China really is spoiling us with BLs this year!

A solid 9/10 so far, and I am already looking forward to the next episode!

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