Reviews

Thriller that will make you cry

So I was avoiding it for the longest time ... It's just me who doesn't like HYPE things so I was just browsing NETFLIX came across this after watching THE GLORY ( i know I am late ) and I was like will give it a try and I have seen some stories in west based on serial killer and their love intrest or father son story of serial killer so I thought it will follow the same beats and I was sceptical and was like impress me and first 4 episodes I was like okay it's GOOD but after that I was too invested in the story and after episode ...5-6 to episode 15... it's just PERFECT... I have to drop some work because I was hooked and I cried and also get anxiety like what will happen next and I wanted them to be happy ... To say, to express things ( especially the ML ) PERSONALLY I didn't like episode 16 but I don't mind it as it qas little emotional but typical KDRAMA plot but overall LOVED IT 🤌 ( finished in THREE Weekdays huff ) give it a try

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A Haunting and Beautiful Journey Through a Lifetime

A generational story, moving and haunting in the way it captures the passage of time and the turning points that shape their lives.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I was scared at the start. When I first heard this drama had 47 episodes, I thought, “Hell no.” Anything over 40 episodes immediately makes me think filler, endless subplots, and a story that’s going to drag. But I was pleasantly surprised. There were a few slower episodes, but even those worked for me because they gave an intense narrative room to breathe while still weaving in the political backstory that ultimately mattered. The real emotional core of the drama is the family, even though the major conflicts stem from events surrounding the original emperor’s reign. What makes it so compelling is watching what these characters endure—the pain, trauma, and difficult choices—and then seeing how those experiences affect the generations that follow. The story continually moves between the larger political conflicts and the intimate family dynamics, allowing you to experience not just what happens to these people, but how they continue living with what happened.

What I especially appreciated was how the drama explored status, gender inequality, disillusionment, and the weight of legacy without reducing everything to a simple revenge story. It examines what happens when people choose revenge, the consequences of those choices, and the things we inherit from previous generations versus the things we consciously choose to pass down. It also asks what happens when doing what is “right” conflicts with practical decisions and survival. Through all of this, you get a strong sense of the time period and political landscape without losing sight of the people living within it. The script is smart and layered, but ultimately, it was the characters that kept me invested. You aren’t simply watching their stories unfold—you’re watching their lives. And because you spend so much time with them, their happiness, suffering, and losses begin to feel personal.

That’s ultimately what made the ending so powerful for me. By the time you reach it, you’ve witnessed so much of these characters’ lives that they no longer feel like people you’re simply watching on a screen. They feel like people whose lives you’ve been allowed to witness from beginning to end. That full-circle feeling is what made this drama so moving for me. It’s a rich, layered story, but beneath all the politics, conflict, and historical circumstances, it’s really about people, family, and the ways the choices of one generation can shape the lives of those who come after them.

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Strong Start, Messy Finish: A Finale Full of Loose Ends

For the first six weeks, I spent days thinking about this show. Wishing that Wednesdays would come quicker so I could press play on the next episode. I was this show's biggest hype woman (yes, in my head, but it counts). Then episode 7 happened, and I started worrying. I was right to worry because the foundation of this drama, the mystery aspect, flops at the end

Before I rant further, let's talk about the good

🧛🏻‍♂️The overall concept - Nour can be closely linked to vampires. They drink blood, have supernatural speed and strength (more on this later), and heal easily, sometimes without bleeding after being cut. Now, a vampire who has been trying to die for centuries finds love and the answer to his dying wish almost simultaneously... what a deliciously angsty idea.

🧛🏻‍♂️Chemistry - I think both couples play off each other well. They can create beautiful romantic tension together

🧛🏻‍♂️The first 6 episodes - I think these were done rather well in terms of both relationships, but largely with the investigation

Now for the letdowns

🧛🏻‍♂️Sacrificing the Mystery for the Romance
The backbone of Nour is the criminal investigation. The romance plays a support role. However, in episode 7, the switch-up happens and some way, somehow the writers forgot about the investigation, and its pacing. We're supposed to be chasing what seems like a serial murderer, and yet the cops in question waste time on a rainbow and declarations of love. They are investigators, yet they don't act like it. It's infuriating *insert flashback to Dare You to Death here*

After ep 7, we spend most of the time watching them be in love and cry. Someone was kidnapped; they found out who the killer was and... nothing. The investigation side takes a backseat, with cops showing up out of the blue when the script demands it (they take their sweet time btw) with no explanation as to how the operation was planned or how they tracked the suspects. What?!?!?!?!

🧛🏻‍♂️Little to No Character Background
I love a good explanation. In my review of Khemjira, I praised how the 12 episodes gave us enough history and character connections to make the ending feel cohesive and loose-end free. Nour has just as much lore and an even bigger mystery, but leaves the audience completely in the dark.

Some glaring examples

» How was Ken turned? They tell us you need to be bitten in the chest, but in ep 10, in the scene when Ken is supposedly turned, we see a hand go into a chest and something that looks like a specter after he wakes up? What was that? Who was that?

» What is James? In a world where only the supernatural have powers, what is he? How did he end up with said powers?

» How does the cryptic poster relate to the drama? Specifically, what was the history between James and Ken? The poster insinuates there's more to their story, but the drama insinuates that they don't have any history but might be aware of each other's true nature.

» The Nour case was buried, but how? How did the higher-ups do it? Does the command to just shut up about it and never bring it up again work in the police force? Is that how things work? Idk any police officers, so I can't ask

» And how long was Ken away for? He says the cops had been watching him (for him?), yet somehow goes back to the same town during the day and seemingly stays there?

» Say James lives till 70, what happens to Ken? He lost the one thing that could help him die. Is he supposed to live in loneliness again? After watching the person he loves die (AGAIN?!?!)

» All the Nour we saw die died at the hands of another through some supernatural fire. So, what was James going around stabbing Chita and trying to stab him in the chest for? His knives didn't look special in any way, so...? What was the end game?

» How many true loves do these Nour get? At first it seems like they only get one, but they are out here turning their boyfriends so? Eh?

» How was Jirat's death explained to his brother? The brother says the mother took the information better than he expected. So what did he tell her? Simply that he died, or how he died and what he had turned into before said death?

🧛🏻‍♂️Inconsistent Superpowers
As mentioned above, Nour are shown to be incredibly fast and strong. But this only works half the time. An example is in ep 7 (again), when they see Chita burning Prae; there was only a flimsy gate between them. I'd have thought the Nour would break it to reach and try saving her, but nope. They simply stood there, looking shocked and shouting at the murderer and victim.
There's also an issue with how fast they heal. Sometimes it's immediate; sometimes it takes time. Yet no one explains why it happens this way

🧛🏻‍♂️Badly Choreographed Fight Scenes
The combat scenes were rough. If you doubt it, go rewatch the James vs. Chita fight in episode 10. Just... no. To be fair, this is a broader issue within the Thai BL industry—believable action scenes are rare—but these were exceptionally bad.

🧛🏻‍♂️Pointless Side Plots & Rushed Romance
» The College Subplot: What was the point of those two college boyfriends/non-boyfriends? The writers seemed unsure how they fit into the plot, dropped their angsty romantic subplot, only to throw in a bland, mutual confession at the eleventh hour.

» The Main Romance: I know this sounds contradictory since the chemistry is great, but two things can be true at once. Ken and James went from confirming Ken's identity straight to the bedroom, and then immediately to being attached at the hip, promising eternity. They desperately needed more conversations and emotional conflict. I wanted to see Ken genuinely battle with the choice between a new love and the sweet embrace of death.

» The NC Scenes: Sue me (actually don't), but the main intimate scenes were way too tightly framed. The extreme close-ups just felt disorienting.

🧛🏻‍♂️Final Thoughts🧛🏻‍♂️
Despite loving the premise, the decent acting (some were great; others need more work), and the chemistry, I am disappointed in what this could have been. Most of what we saw from ep 7 was not it. As much applaud the bravery to bring something new to the table plowise and as I would have loved to love this, the rushed ending and mountain of unanswered questions leave me incredibly disappointed.

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Some things were left unanswered

I really liked this show a lot. I loved that Nour's were kind of a different twist on vampires and I loved learning more about them. I liked the overall plot as well as relationship building between James and Ken. I enjoyed this show the entire time I watched it and would recommend it overall, but there were some issues with it overall.

Positives:
-I loved James and Ken as characters as well as them together. I loved and adored them growing closer and falling in love. Individually I think they were both really interesting characters, and I loved learning more about them. I will say I think they fell for each other pretty quickly, but then again, I'm not sure how long the show took place over before the time skip so maybe it wasn't super-fast. Their love for each other was so deep and that was beautiful to see. They had so many sweet moments together! I especially loved how much they danced together! That was so cute! The actors have fantastic chemistry with each other as well! Their spicy scenes and kisses were great too.
-I loved a lot of the cinematography and lighting choices in this show! I think there were moments with really cool camera work and cool lighting choices. Some of the editing choices were really interesting and nice as well.
-I think the overall acting from everyone was pretty good! I've never seen any of these actors before (I don't think) and they all did great.
-I loved that the intro didn't spoil anything!!! So many shows spoil everything in the intro and this one didn't at all. Loved the imagery!
-The music was great!
-The opening of this show was so strong! It really knew how to draw you in right away!
-The kissing and spicy scenes were incredible!
-I loved how different this series was. It wasn't something you see all the time at all, and you can tell they tried to be quite different with this and I think a lot of it paid off. They weren't afraid to show the characters drinking blood or having a strong thirst for it and I loved that. I feel like even in a lot of vampire media they don't always show it and I'm glad they did here. They even included it in some spicier scenes which I enjoyed. Examples: Jirat and Chita's spicy bloody bathroom scene, Ken sucking the blood off of James' finger injury, Ken biting James's lip until it bleeds and licking the blood off. LOVED IT!

Negatives:
-I didn't like Chita or the Dr Jirat the entire time. Chita made me very uncomfortable from the start and overall gave me creepy vibes so because of that, it wasn't surprising to me that he was the overall villain. As for the doctor, I don't know what it was about him, but I didn't like him at all. I didn't really feel chemistry between them as a couple either. I kind of hated when either one of them were on screen. Their spicy scene in the bathroom with the blood was top tier though.
-Panin and Rain felt like useless characters to me. They didn't really have a lot of screentime, but when they did, it felt like it didn't add anything to the overarching story at all. Their characters were fine, but I didn't see the point in them. Also, could be just me but they seemed unphased about their whole friend group dying which was so weird to me.
-A lot of things were left unanswered or felt off/empty to me.
+James' powers were never explained. We don't know why he has them or what any of the colors he was seeing were supposed to mean.
+James' dads' death was set up to have this big mystery or grand reveal on why he was killed and then it felt like a throw away resolve with it just being he was killed because he was Nour too.
+I love that James helped Ken want to live, but he himself doesn't want to become a Nour therefore when he dies Ken will be in the same situation all over again. I think either Ken should've been able to figure out a way for him to k*ll himself if we wanted to in the future or James should've changed his mind and wanted to become a Nour too so they could spend eternity together.
+Chita wanting to kill Nours simply because they're Nours was so stupid since he's one himself. He should've just k*lled himself from the start if he didn't want this life for himself. These people he was killing had nothing to do with him at all and it felt stupid that he killed them just for being the same thing he is, especially since he then turns Jirat into one which brings me to my next point.
+Chita was killing these people because he was upset, he became a Nour because of his past loved one but then goes and turns Jirat into anyway just continuing the pattern. Very hypocritical.
+I wish the Nours powers were explained or explored a bit more. With a bit more world building I think it would've explained a lot. Their powers seemed inconsistent throughout the series, and it seems the way they become on isn't always the same either. I loved seeing what we did with the Nours, but I wish we saw a bit more.
+The cops were idiots. Why did the cops shoot Ken and why're they hunting him down? I understand he's a Nour and they know that now, but what do they plan to do if they catch him? And what was their plan as they were hunting down others Nours? They can't die and they know that yet tried to fight them like they were humans which made no sense.

I'm assuming this was a small budget show and for that I think they did pretty well. They definitely could've worked on some of the plot holes and things I mentioned before a bit better, but overall, I think this was a great series. I don't think we'll be getting anymore of this show but if they did, I hope it would be just more world building and explaining the things left unanswered. I look forward to seeing what Boss and Tongtong do next! I really liked them a lot! Despite my negatives, I still very much recommend this series and don't know why it's not talked about more than it is.

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The Lotto Winner Goes To Work Too

This show reflects on how money can change our mindset. When you have a backup the life around you suddenly get a bit easier. In the first ep, an old women who won a lotter said the first thing she plans to do after getting money is to get angry. This made me think how many of us are stuck in a sh*tty jib because we need to provide for our family, how many of us tolerated our superior's humiliation or unjustified workload cause the society has given us no way out, how many of us turned our faces away from what we really love to do and studied or doing what can give us money.
The main lead got a decent amount of money which can be used as a backup, and this is the turning point. Before that he never dared complain because this is the only lifeline he had. All his decision he made was daring and risky. He was able to flow the situation in his favor because he is talented but the bravery to take such risky attempts came from his prize money. If he never had that amount in his bank he would've been a leader who cannot communicate to his teammates, someone who only takes orders because the company will not let go of someone who can make things done. But to change things one needs courage and, in this world, having a bit of money in your pocket will give you a little push to take a step forward.

I have seen a lot of disappointment regarding this show but somehow amid so many shows this was the only series I looked forward to every week. The series is beautifully written. It reflects life not theatric drama. In real life there is no white and black, everything is a different shade of grey. Our main lead is a talented staff, but he isn't flawless. Everyone has their own merits and demerits. Success only follows if you accept what you are and your surroundings.
I really liked that how they didn't portray anyone as literal evil. In this capitalist life, no one can be a buddha. No one is judging each other, but they are more understanding of their choices. I also loved how they still maintained personal relationships regardless of what happens in work. The gradual changes in the relations and overall office hits just right up my alley. Life is not a drama rather a stream. Whatever you choose you'll keep going on anyway

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Who would’ve known i would love watching workaholics’ story

I never thought i would catch myself watching about work when i’m off work like ???? But this drama even makes workaholics holy. At one point i was like they have no other life, they just work! But that’s the point working is their life it’s intertwined. I loved it so much I couldn’t believe it was the final at ep 10. Also my first time seeing a kdrama without kdrama ost lol if they really spent all the budget going to italy then it makes sense not having money for the ost. I normally love binge watching dramas and it was excruciating waiting every week for new episodes for this drama. People that will start watching this now can binge watch i envy you sooooo much… This is a must watch for people who think they wouldn’t know what to do with the money if they ever won the lottery. This was a joyride.

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One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen

Your Name Engraved Herein was beautiful in a lot of ways. This movie follows the story of two male students in an all-boys Catholic school ; A-han, and a bold new student, Birdy. While being in the school's music band and through trips, they grow closer overtime, until a female student comes into Birdy's life.
The show focuses on a lot of themes, such as homophobia and family/school pressure.
The cinematography, the color grading that fits with all the scenes, the scenario, the dialogues...
It broke something in me, because this shows the reality of LGBTQ+ people in Taiwan in the 80s, and it's based on the story of the director.
Definitely a masterpiece.
I kind of feel like this movie was a fever dream, but not necessarily in a bad way. I should rewatch someday.

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Original Rivalry

Two powerhouse male leads—how can you go wrong?

The story is deeply emotional, tracing the characters from childhood into adulthood. I went in with no expectations and genuinely had no idea what I was in for. What unfolded was far more than I anticipated. I became completely immersed in the friendship, the subtle shifts in facial expression, the unspoken vibrations between the characters, and the intricate choreography of deception, trust, and emotion.

The entire drama felt like a beautifully composed piece of music: Intro → Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus → Outro. Each movement introduced a new emotional phase, building upon what came before it. There was harmony and dissonance, moments of restraint followed by surges of intensity, and pauses that spoke as loudly as the dialogue. The emotional tempo continually shifted, carrying me through anticipation, uncertainty, tenderness, tension, and heartbreak.

And then came the crescendo.

Lee Jun-young is commanding. He portrays a child who possesses an extraordinary gift without yet understanding its magnitude, gradually developing into an intense leader and teacher. His performance has a remarkable musicality to it—quiet and understated in one moment, then gathering force until the character reaches the inevitable, almost explosive crescendo I had been waiting for.

Song Kang is exceptional as the insecure and tortured young man whose struggles become the counterpoint to his emerging brilliance. His performance captures the dissonance between vulnerability and genius, pain and potential. Watching that transformation unfold felt almost like listening to a composition gradually discovering its own melody.

Together, the two leads create an extraordinary dynamic. Their friendship, rivalry, silences, expressions, and emotional undercurrents become part of the score. So much is communicated without words that the smallest gesture can feel like an entire musical phrase.

I rarely write reviews, but this drama was supposed to be a filler for me—something to watch between other shows. Instead, it became the main event. I was completely drawn into its rhythm and watched the entire series in two days.

I began with no expectations. I ended in tears.

Sometimes, the most unexpected compositions are the ones that stay with you long after the final note has faded.

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A masterpiece

This series really changed something in me.
Yes, it's indeed disturbing, but it shows the reality of some people without trying to sugar-coat it. Because Japanese society is often pretty harsh towards people of the LGBTQ+ community.
I really loved Keito's and Chihiro's character development. I love the fact that they're flawed and don't improve magically, because the series privilegizes a realistic take on a romanticized scenario.
The cinematography was incredible, and the actors are both great ; Rei Sawamura and Yurai Beppu really managed to make me feel all of their emotions without going all out, even through silence or some simple sentences.

(Just pay attention to the TWs though, because some scenes may trigger some people, it's important !)

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A Workplace drama that makes you look forward to your next day at work

When a person enters the workforce, nothing prepares them for the impending problems they are going to face. Even though you love your work and you are good at it, there will be issues related to your work environment, like personal clashes, or a cold war with that colleague of yours, or workplace politics, for that matter. This drama places work at the heart of it and shows us how a set of employees at Hongsung Group come together, regain their love for work and elevate their workplace to the next level. Another interesting aspect of this drama is the characterisation. Gong Euntae, his four team members, the director, deputy director, the coffee shop owner, the grandma who won the lottery, the actress, the team leader of Team 5, Gong Eun tae's family members and finally even the CEO, each character adds to the story. If you are a fresher in the workforce, or if you love your work but are still trying to figure out the work environment, I highly recommend this drama. They say that experience is the greatest teacher, but a well-written workplace drama like this can definitely give you a heads-up about what you are getting into. In a world where office workers are finding it hard to put up with their work environment, here is a drama that shows us how work can also be a pleasurable part of one's life. Adding this one to the list of my favourite workplace series or dramas.

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Caught Between Attraction and Ambition

Trigger Warning Note: Non-con. Just be aware and avoid if that is a deal breaker. It is part of the larger story and they do NOT frame it as romantic.

First Impressions — Episode 1

Well, this is a promising start! One episode in, and I’m already intrigued by the characters, their complicated relationships, and the multiple layers of conflict beginning to emerge. There’s a real story taking shape here, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Ing (Bank Artit) is a wealthy, successful young CEO who is arrogant, calculating, and accustomed to getting his way. He also has a deeply strained relationship with his younger half-brother, Itt, who desperately wants his affection and approval. The family dynamics are already fascinating, particularly Ing’s barely concealed hostility toward his stepmother. There’s clearly a history here that we haven’t begun to understand.

Enter Yok (Copter Nuntapong), Itt’s fiercely loyal best friend, a university student and talented boxer with family pressures of his own. Yok has heard enough about Ing over the years to have formed a decidedly unfavorable opinion of him. He’s unimpressed by Ing’s wealth, status, and arrogance, and he’s certainly not afraid to challenge him.

Unfortunately for Ing, Yok also happens to be extremely attractive. And suddenly our otherwise composed, self-assured CEO seems to have forgotten how to function normally. 😂

What I particularly enjoyed was the understated way Ing’s attraction develops. There’s no dramatic love-at-first-sight spectacle. Instead, we get fleeting expressions, momentary distractions, lingering looks, and little internal conversations that reveal considerably more than Ing is willing to acknowledge. Watching him mentally deliberate over which shirt would look best on Yok was particularly amusing. This is a man who can navigate the business world but apparently cannot navigate a handsome university student standing in his bathroom wearing a towel!

But there’s more happening here than romantic attraction. Ing initially sees Yok as a potentially useful connection to his politically influential older brother. Yok recognizes that opportunism immediately, adding another dimension to their already prickly interactions. Meanwhile, Yok’s loyalty to Itt puts him in the uncomfortable position of being increasingly entangled with the very person responsible for much of his best friend’s unhappiness.

And Itt! His longing for his older brother’s affection is surprisingly touching. The birthday celebration, where something as simple as Ing wishing him a happy birthday transforms his entire expression, tells us so much about their relationship without requiring an elaborate explanation.

What makes this premiere work for me is that the characters already have lives, motivations, and conflicts beyond the central romance. Ing has his ambitions and unresolved family tensions. Yok has his own expectations and frustrations to contend with. Itt has an emotional investment in both men that could complicate everything. These aren’t separate storylines artificially assembled around a romance; they’re already beginning to intersect.

The episode also balances its more serious elements with some genuinely amusing moments without turning the characters into caricatures. And the chemistry between Bank and Copter is already apparent, particularly in the competitive basketball sequence and those increasingly awkward moments of physical proximity.

At over 40 minutes, the premiere gives the story room to breathe. We get a meaningful introduction to the characters, their relationships, and the conflicts that may shape what comes next, rather than simply rushing toward romantic developments.

It’s far too early to know whether the series will fulfill its potential, but the foundation is there: complicated family relationships, competing loyalties, political ambition, simmering attraction, and two strong personalities who seem destined to get under each other’s skin.

I’m intrigued, I’m invested, and I’m definitely coming back for Episode 2!

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Love Destiny & The Butterfly Effect

This is another in a long-line of time travel BLs that gets on a treadmill and simply does not know how to get off it. From the very beginning, one always wonders how will the modern individual return to his present time and how will his love (which is inevitable) follow him? The unfolding must fill that all in and make logical sense but unfortunately, this story does not. It does venture off into so many tangents that one wonders why there was not a ‘butterfly effect’, since the present-day person does seem to know so much about the time and people, he transported back to. And he definitely introduced change. For me, this story, and thus, series, was directionless. I say this because they continuously used what I call side stories as fillers. For unfathomable reasons, these side stories become so tangential that I lost interest in them. They were banal and mundane because they never concluded or are only cryptically outlined. And there are so, so many of them. The ending of this series is really, really disjointed and ineffectively finalized. It is astonishingly rushed. This had a good premise but was used much better in previous time-travel BLs, that just did not know how to end, let alone figure out how to get there. I am guessing this was all linking to a potential Season 2? It all just seemed like just another side story.

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Best Short Series

I came across this series as I was looking for more of Ryan Cheng's works. I was very pleasantly surprised & pleased! This must have been one of Ryan's earlier career works as it's not a big budget drama and it's only 18 episodes, BUT that didn't diminish his performance whatsoever, nor, surprisingly, the quality of the production. The quality of the production, story & editing are not cheapish like some other short series out there that are ridiculous. All of the actors did well. Fast paced. Never boring. It's a good watch. Has more romance in 18 episodes than most 30 to 40 plus episode series out there 🤣
I enjoyed it the first time and have rewatched 2 times. 😁

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