Reviews

two starved people, craving love..

I don't know what it is but if Korean dramas make your heart pump, Japanese dramas (the good ones) scratch a deeper itch, something basic yet deep.

plot🗯️🗯️
we meet kazuya. a guy working in an office and leading a somewhat normal life. he lives with his girlfriend and they seem happy but... something between them is missing.

on the other side we have sei. he works in the same office as kazuya even though they don't know each other. he also has a significant other in his life but things are quite complicated.

one day, kazuya accidentally sends the wrong email to a stranger. they keep in touch and one day, out of pure coincidence they meet in real life...

the drama🗯️🗯️
the story is pretty simple yet interesting.
the is something so basic about it yet so deep.

both kazuya and sei have come to terms with their lives, cheating them selves into thinking their way of living, even though lacking, is still enough.

love is enough right?
any kind of love? do we accept what others are willing to give us without asking for more?
are we selfish or not grateful enough?

kazuya and sei are both trapped in a sort of "golden* cage. kazuya has a girlfriend that he loves very much as does she. their relationship is stable and comfortable. maybe too comfortable.. kazuya struggles with the lacking of sexual intimacy but he is too respecfull and enamoured to do something about other then being sad about it.

sei, lives with his childhood friend. at the very beginning is not really clear what kind of bond these two share , but sei is definitely not satisfied.
his friend tries to be there for him being a "provider", but what sei desires more is intimacy, both emotionally and physically.


when kazuya and sei meet they completely understand each other's pain of not being enough for someone you love.
feeling like what you get is what you deserve and asking for more is selfish.

there were some moments when I really felt their pain.
when kazuya and sei are having sex, sei says "I don't know how someone could not desire you, you are not bad, you are not disgusting".
man, I think kazuya and myself started crying at the same time.
it was so simple but so effective.
after missing so many answers from his girlfriend, hearing sei being so direct and honest must have felt like rain in the desert.

I really liked the bond kazuya and sei share because they compensate each other.

I could go on and on about this serie but I doubt anyone would be willing to read🤣🤣

ok let's move to stuff I didn't like❌
1) I know this is a short drama and things must be "tight" but I found the scene of kazuya crying in the cafe lounge at the office a bit too much. I know you feel deeply , but it was too much too soon boo boo.

2) the "explanation " from sei's lovers.
I don't know guys, the whole spiel about the death of his parents felt like and excuse.
you knew all along what sei felt for you. you treated him like a immaculate being who shouldn't be touched to avoid ruining his purity.
I didn't buy it.

3)kazuya' girlfriend.
sure, she must be a super lovely girl, but she lacked any communication skills.
at least kazuya attempted to clear things up, she on the other hand never tried.

watching him feeling useless instead of just telling him how you feel looked a lot selfish. especially considering the fact that she kept yapping about her friends getting married or pregnant.

if you already knew you lose sex drive after a while, just tell him. this is BL. if we can tackle being gay, we can as well talk about asexuality, demisexuality and everything on the spectrum.
it would have being interesting especially thinking that in Japan many people have a sexless marriage.

things I liked✅
1) the actors, especially kazuya.

2) kazuya's friend spilling the beans about his girlfriend not finding him attractive. girl, you saved that man from a huge headache.

3) cinematography in general.

definitely worth the watch!

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Holy Trash!

So called concept of wanting to be loved to explain there lack of boundaries, a blurred concept of romcom. Not a single character here is good. ML is mentally unstable, SML is playboy, TML is playboy jerk, FL is pick me girl, SFL is only just a bit on her head, TFL i.e FL's friend is opportunist. Most annoying is FL all she do is one guy after other she didn't have bad taste, only thing was she got habit of throwing herself to anyone. Most critical is ideology of explaining her behavior by portraying her as a character who seeks genuine love. WTH ! Love also have its boundaries we can seek love but must draw a line between love and lust. Same for ML only thing he knows is crying and yelling. Cry here cry there but not even a bit of guts to speak what is right. Don't waste your time. Movies and series is for soothing your minding not gaslighting you.

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And the crowd is...confused??

This is my first drama from the Phillipines. It has been an experience. I was intrigued by the summary, but I was a little nervous going into it. One girl in a class full of guys sounded a bit worrisome. Rest assured, nothing terrible happened. Anyways, I was put off by the acting and the script (which maybe my perception is altered by translations or something) but something about it kept me watching.
Some things I loved were the intro song...really hype, added it to my playlist and everything. I also loved the fact that there were little mini storylines with the side characters of Section E, allowing the whole class to be a valuable asset rather than background noise. Usually in shows centered around a class, you'd have a select few that actually get genuine screen time while the rest fade out of existence after the first episode, but here everyone mattered. Her bond with Ci-N was really cute, and I enjoyed their interactions. Section E really felt like a community. I also liked the cast as a whole, they really fit their characters.
Some things I disliked. First off, acting was not good. There were some solid ones, like JayJay's actor or Yuri's actor, and characters who didn't have to show crazy strong emotions were pretty good for the most part. Keifer's actor was a little weak...he announced his lines rather than feeling them. I also think the script might've not been to helpful...for example, one of his flirting lines was "We can clean each other's mouth." Ugh. There were also so many secrets that still have yet to be uncovered and everyone else knows except JayJay and the audience. That was lowkey a bother, especially considering the work that has to go into finding the second season part 1.
After watching this, I don't know how to feel. I definitely enjoyed it but also I wouldn't say it was amazing. I likely wouldn't suggest this to anyone, this would likely be something that you'd have to want to watch from your own desires. Will I completely devalue it? No, ofc not. Somehow....it's something I'd rewatch. I don't know...

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A review from someone who ACTUALLY watched the whole thing

I don't really review lots of shows, especially not on this website. Duang with You is the sole reason for me making an account here in the first place and seeing reviews calling it 'shallow' is like a stab to the heart.

First, I would like to acknowledge that yes, Duang can be cringe. And yes, sometimes I pause the EP to take a breath then rewind. But that doesn't mean he lacks common sense or is just there as an accessory for Qin. I have seen some people say that Duang is autistic and while I have no definite proof of that it is pretty dang obvious to me. So his mannerisms are understandable and endearing. That is how he is in the novel too so don't come for the actors.

Secondly, I saw a review saying Qin's trauma is 'rich kid trauma ' and that makes me so mad. So just cause he was born rich that means he isn't allowed to he hurt? That boy was abused! He had no one, not even his parents so of course he would be closed off and cold sometimes. If you actually watched the whole show and get to know him better you'll see just how much it affected him since EP1. Just how much Duang helped him till his confrontation with his parents. The way P'Kla directed the scene is so good it brings me to tears no matter how many times I watch it. It was realistic and that's what most of you can't seem to understand. Just cause you didn't experience a trauma doesn't give you the right to belittle it because there ARE people who have experienced the exact same thing.

Thirdly, I think ep12 was a well crafted ending. Marvis meeting the gang was definitely needed, what, with Jamie finally opening up about liking someone I think it was a good choice. Pae revealing himself as Cherry was also really funny and I don't know why you all found it surprising. Were you expecting them to take that secret to the grave? TongPae was never going to work since Theewave isn't an official pairing yet so the hate I'm seeing has got to be studied. Even though it was sad to see them go back to the novel, the ending was still satisfying.

Fourthly! I saw the same review asking why Duang fell in love with Qin and I sighed. It was established as love at first sight, both in the novel and in the series. People DO fall for others at first sight in real life so him falling for Qin is not far fetched. Also, I don't think Qin manipulated Duang in any way in any part of the series. The scene where he gave Duang 15 minutes was very him. He needed to know if Duang would stay, and after seeing his past experiences his fear was valid. Him asking Duang to return the camera was also very him. He knew if he let it slide once, it'll become a habit. I wouldn't want my partner to buy me a gift and then turn around and not have any money to eat. Qin is strict in his love for Duang and that is why they compliment each other so well.

Fifthly!!! (Idk if that's a real word) I haven't seen any reviews about NorthOtto's English YET but I will talk about it cause there was hate on social media about it. Yes, their English ate. No, it wasn't cringe. Unless you can fluently speak Thai with no accents then stfu and leave them alone. They tried their best and they devoured.

The themes addressed in the whole series are deep and carefully resolved. I love Duang with you, and if you're looking for something fluffy, heavy, funny and an emotional rollercoaster it is definitely for you. Don't listen to all these reviews from people who hardly watched half of it.

And yes, I can defend them in the comments. Unless you're a lost cause then I won't waste my time. And I can also yap about them too 🤗

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which it was longer

i loved this drama so much that i can’t bring myself to rate this lower than 10/10. despite watching it almost 2 months ago, it’s still the historical drama that always manages to resurfaces in my mind. i’ve loved other historical cdramas but this one feels different than the others somehow, and the lead actors have become some of my favourites for their amazing acting.
there is one thing that disappointed me about this drama, and it’s the same thing that i think most dramas fall short on: the ending felt too sudden/rushed however, i think other dramas suffer from this issue more (PoJ immediately comes to mind). i guess my real issue is that i really wanted this one to last longer, or maybe to last forever.

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Different take on Zombies

Honestly, when I started watching this it was questionable, yet I wanted to keep watching. It was such a different take on zombie movies and I loved it. It was comedic and also a heartwarming watch! I loved it and would definitely watch it again!! I am happy to suggest this to others. I had so many questions during the whole movie. Questions that were answered! The music is also now stuck in my head too, I really liked the OST, especially at the ending! So if you're looking for a zombie movie but don't want to be too scared and want to have a laugh, I highly suggest!!!

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how am i meant to move on from this one?

i don’t usually find myself interested in modern cdramas, but it had such good reviews and good leads that i decided to give it a try.
i’ve watched a good number of cdramas, many of which were amazing. however, none have touched me like this one has. i don’t know how i’m meant to move on from it. i’ve tried watching some similar dramas others have recommended but i can’t help but compare them to this one and can’t quite commit to them. none of them have managed to pull me in like this one did from the very start.
there’s something very special about this drama, a certain kind of nostalgia that it evokes that isn’t easily explained. i’m not sure how to put it into words.
youth. that nostalgic innocence of a first love and the resulting heartbreak that feels so crushing and world-ending, it feels like you’ll die.
then young adulthood. the inevitable messiness that comes with that transition. the adults in your life struggling to reconcile the fact that you’re no longer a child, unsure how to treat you going forward; you struggling to appear mature before them, still unable to help but be childlike in ways. that slow acceptance of yourself, including those less “adult” parts of yourself that you believed you had to let go of to be seen as grown.
you can feel it in the acting, the wardrobe, the way it was filmed, in the OST, even in the colours used.
it’s all beautiful and it’s familiar. you won’t regret watching it, even though you’ll struggle to move on afterwards.

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Excellent Storyline

As Long As We Both Shall Live (My Happy Marriage, 2023) was such a beautifully painful movie. Set in a world of arranged marriage, family cruelty, and hidden supernatural power, it gave far more emotion than I expected. Miyo Saimori, treated like nothing by her own family, is sent to marry Kiyoka Kudou, a man feared for his cold and ruthless reputation. What starts as fear slowly becomes one of the softest and most healing love stories.

What made this movie stand out for me was how quiet the love was. Kiyoka did not love Miyo with grand speeches, but with protection, patience, and respect—things she had never been given before. Watching Miyo slowly learn that she deserved kindness was honestly the most touching part. Their chemistry felt gentle and real, and both Ren Meguro and Mio Imada brought so much emotion to their roles.

The cinematography was stunning, with that soft historical fantasy atmosphere that made every scene feel like a painting. The mix of romance, pain, and supernatural family politics made the story even richer. Sometimes the final conflict felt a little rushed, but the emotional heart of the film never got lost. Reviewers also noted how the story blends abuse, manipulation, military intrigue, and slow-burn romance in a Meiji-era-inspired setting ().

This was not just a romance—it was a story about healing, dignity, and finally being loved the way you should have been all along. Sad, beautiful, and unforgettable.

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Rural Charm with a Frustrating Turn

Don't Disturb Me Farming is a refreshing take on the classic fish-out-of-water trope by flipping it completely. Instead of a rural girl adjusting to city life, it’s the rich male lead who is thrown into village living and struggling to adapt, which makes the setup feel a bit different and interesting at the start.

The leads actually perform quite well, and their acting feels natural for the most part. The initial episodes are especially enjoyable with a sweet premise and good chemistry, giving the drama a lot of early potential. The rural setting also adds a calming and visually pleasant backdrop that fits the tone of the story.

However, as the story progresses, it starts losing balance. The female lead can feel inconsistent, often written as overly naive or careless just to push misunderstandings forward. At times, her lack of awareness towards both the male lead’s feelings and the intentions of others becomes frustrating. On the other hand, the male lead also seems to shift personality depending on the plot needs, which weakens the consistency of his character.

The introduction of side characters, especially the so-called best friend and college acquaintance, adds more frustration than depth. Their involvement drags the story down and creates unnecessary conflict that feels forced rather than natural. Many viewers would likely agree that the drama would have worked better if it stayed focused on the main couple and the farming storyline.

Despite these issues, the drama still has its charm. Once you get past the slower and more irritating middle episodes, it returns to a softer, more satisfying tone towards the end. The conclusion is simple and sweet, giving a proper closure to the couple’s journey.

Overall, this is a light, relaxing watch with a strong concept and good beginning, but it gets weighed down by unnecessary complications and inconsistent character writing. It’s enjoyable in parts, especially if you don’t take the middle stretch too seriously.

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this was an interesting watch 😂

this is not the type of drama I usually enjoy watching. but I decided to give it a shot right after finishing ThamePo, mainly because i wanted to see more of WilliamEst.
(I’m very new to Thai BL, only started watching a few days ago!)

I also wanted to see Perth and Santa, as I’ve known of them since before i knew anything about Thai BLs. so i wanted to see what they're actually like. even though this drama doesn't have much of them.

I’m not a fan of over the top borderline cringe kinda comedy. which, tbh, me and thee is😂 the first episode was kind of unbearable, not gonna lie. the stupid sound effects made me cringe so hard, I almost wanted to drop the drama then and there 😭 but i decided to watch at least one more episode and give it a real chance.

slowly i was somehow dragged into the world of Khun Thee😂 somehow they left me entertained, and i ended up laughing out loud a few times at the utter ridiculousness everything 😂

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A Brave and Healing Masterpiece

This series takes a daring leap into the complexities of neurological trauma and psychological healing. It is a raw, heart-wrenching, yet ultimately hopeful exploration of what happens when the person you love becomes a stranger to themselves.

The plot centers on Pobmek (Perth), a teacher who struggles with children, whose world is turned upside down after his boyfriend Solar (Santa) suffers a traumatic brain injury. The "brain reset" condition—where Solar’s mind reverts to that of a seven-year-old—is handled with incredible maturity.

Santa gives a tour-de-force performance. Switching between the vibrant, adult Solar and the vulnerable, confused "Nong Sun" requires immense range. He avoids caricature, making the psychological regression feel tragic and authentic.
Perth is the emotional anchor. His portrayal of Pobmek's frustration, grief, and unconditional patience is masterfully subtle. He captures the essence of a man who hates children but would do anything to protect the "child" inside his partner.

Despite the heavy themes, the show is "healing." It emphasizes that love is about adapting and staying present, even when the person you love can't remember who you are.

This series is a profound study of human resilience. It challenges the audience to think about the nature of love and the mind. It’s a 5-star drama that will break your heart and mend it back together, one episode at a time.

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Funnier than it looks

Synopsis makes you think this is your standard Strong female lead's story and honestly it didn't look like anything unique. I started it for the incredible list of cast from supporting characters to main and so far enjoying it.

Positives:
1. Production quality. Color grading has a movie feel in a made up city, both modern but with a throw back feel.
2. Interesting characters: lots of characters you love to hate, and hate to love.
---ML: Giant Man Child. Mark Chao provides lots of comic relief. I did not expect his character to be so funny.
---FL: Sometimes you'll hate her bossiness, other times you'll feel for her struggles. Overall I love her character
---Yang Cai Yu: Smart beautiful bestie with hot girl problems. The complex relationship with her lawyer is interesting.
---ML's new editor: I love this veteran supporting actress. She always pulls off this kind of a character flawlessly
---Other supporting characters, FL's ex partners, FL's assistant, Lawyer, New writer etc etc are all great characters.
3. Story line and dialogue. At least in Chinese its smart and witty especially for the ML's comebacks.
4. OST: There are some really good songs in here. I hope I can find them all
---Ending Song (Jane Zhang: 爱情没有神话)
---Ep 5 18min in (Cross the Line)
---Ep 7 23 min in
Just to name a few

Negatives:
It may feel a bit repetitive with the constant back & forth competitive nature. I don't mind it since I enjoy the dialogue but it may not be for everyone.
Probably Not the happy ending kind from the looks of it

If you enjoy smart female-centric modern C-dramas then this is a great pick!

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