Reviews

A fluffy drama with great dynamics!

Shine on me gave me everything I ever needed in a overnight romance drama!! It's my second modern drama of 2025 and its such a good drama! The man leading weilong is such a Green flag and handsome as well,the Fl is pretty and did her role well since the drama revolved around her. The side characters zhuang xu,ye rong,Dr fang ad yin jie were all amazing! even their parents and Relations! I really can't get enough!!! I really love this drama,thank you Gu man!!💐❤️

lastly,the drama is fluffy,gorgeous and has deep meanings even in flirting!!! Worth watching all round!!!

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A sweet romance between Big and Park exploring the introvert/extrovert theme.

PLOT: Diew, a very introverted student, enjoys his quiet life with only one friend and his pet tortoise. But the arrival of God (an extroverted, almost hyperactive person) in the apartment next door disrupts his equilibrium. God gradually tames Diew, helps him overcome his fears, and integrates him into his group of friends (and into his bed :).

+++ A very cute romance, with Big playing a total green flag. Great chemistry between the couple, with a lot of sweet scenes.
+++ Fast-paced direction
+++ The theme explored (introvert/extrovert) is interesting and handled with intelligence and subtlety.

### The ex-boyfriend character is very unlikeable (and not very believable).
### Limited budget (costumes, sets) but well used.
### Some effects are a bit awkward.

=> Good series, especially if you like Big & Park (and I ship this boat :)
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Jolie romance avec Big et Park sur le thème introverti/extraverti

PLOT: Diew, étudiant très introverti, aime sa petite vie calme avec 1 ami et sa tortue. Mais l'arrivée de God (extraverti limite hyperactif) ds l'appartement d'à côté, bouleverse son équilibre. God va peu à peu apprivoiser Diew, effacer ses peurs et l'intégrer ds son gpe d'amis (et ds son lit :).
+++ Romance très cute, avec Big en Green Flag total. Belle alchimie ds ce couple, avec bcp de sweet scènes.
+++ Réalis° rythmée
+++ Le thème abordé (introverti / extraverti) est intéressant et abordé avec intelligence et subtilité.

### Personnage de l'ex très antipathique (ex-lover peu crédible)
### Budget limité (costumes, décors) mais bien utilisé.
### Certains effets sont un peu gênants.

=> Bonne série, surtt si on aime Big & Park (and I ship this boat :)

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Too Many Spoilers on the internet!

“Shine On Me” actually starts with decent potential: popular leads, clean visuals, and a light modern atmosphere. The theme song is pleasant and sweet, fitting well with the youthful romance vibe. Unfortunately, none of that is enough to cover the drama’s main weakness.

The biggest issue is the overly long and dragged-out storyline. The core story is very simple and could easily have been told in around 16 episodes, similar to many K-dramas. If it had been more compact, the emotions would have felt stronger and the conflicts sharper. Instead, the extended length makes many episodes feel empty, repeating the same dynamics without real progress.

This drama feels like a typical modern Chinese drama: light conflicts stretched too far, slow pacing, and an excessive focus on repetitive sweet moments. As a result, boredom becomes unavoidable, even though the actors themselves are appealing.

When compared to colossal (historical) dramas, the difference is very clear. Colossal dramas may also go in circles at times, but their core conflicts are heavier, more complex, and logically grounded whether in politics, power struggles, or moral dilemmas. There is a strong narrative reason for their length. In “Shine On Me,” however, the long runtime feels more like a production choice than a storytelling necessity.

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Lets go!!!

Everything I love about jdramas is in this show, but where oh where is season TWO!!! Fast paced, all the cinematography with this one is on point. Casting is perfect, I need more STAT!!!!

After being stuck with some angsty k and c dramas that get sucked into dumb plots 2/3 of the way in, and ruin the momentum of a great show, I love coming back to a jdrama because they plain don’t mess around. And I love them for that.

This is it!!!

I’m just hoping season two is everything we hope for because its certainly leading that way with season one.

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This holds a special place in my heart

"The story began in the summer of 2012, but it will never end."

I've always been a fan of coming-of-age/school life stories because they make my heart ache with nostalgia from events that I've never experienced.

In the summer before starting high school, Su Zaizai sees someone walking slowly in the rain. She calls him an idiot for not walking faster, and maybe it was from this moment on that the wheels of fate began to turn. She got a glimpse of his face and fell in love at first sight. He remembered the face of the girl who randomly scolded him.

Zhang Lurang may look cold and aloof on the outside, but this is just a shell to hide his low self-esteem and lack of confidence. It was only through meeting Su Zaizai that, for the first time, he learned that someone could unapologetically love him just for being himself. It was her genuine warmth that thawed his frozen heart, and he began smiling more and more for her. They both wanted to improve for the other and become better versions of themselves.

I also love how Zhang Lurang wasn't portrayed as a top student who excelled in every subject and how Su Zaizai wasn't portrayed as someone who failed in every subject. This made them seem more human to me. She taught him English; He taught her maths and physics.

I loved all 5 of the characters in the main friend group and how even though they split up for university (well not all), they still remained good friends even after they've started working.

I liked the second couple a lot, but not as much as the first. Some other viewers prefer the second couple more because their relationship is more realistic. However, I still prefer Su Zaizai and Zhang Lurang's relationship more because I'm someone who watches c-dramas to escape from real life - and their relationship was the perfect antidote for all my negative emotions. Although there were some misunderstandings sprinkled here and there, they weren't excessive and were quickly resolved.

Another aspect of this drama that I especially loved was how we got to see the clips Su Zaizai took with her camcorder at the end of each episode, it really makes me want to buy one too.

The only negative aspects of this drama for me were that:
- the ending was quite rushed; I would of preferred if we got more detail of their university and adult lives (especially as I binge-watched the second half of the drama within a day so their lives literally flew by so fast, I regret it so much TwT) + plus some of the side plots were skimmed over
- the awkward acting in some of the scenes e.g. some of Su Zaizai's smiles looked really fake and strained + the amount of times the actors cleared their throats whenever they were nervous was a bit unnecessary

I definitely preferred the first half of the story over the second half, because it was just teenagers having fun and doing dumb things together. It makes me wish for those kind an forever friends, where we run together on the beach and watch many sunrise and sunsets. Although the second half was good too, I'll definitely reminicise about the first half more fondly.

I teared up at the ending of the drama when they started playing the flashbacks because it made me fully realise just how long I was with the characters for: from teenage youth to university life to employment.

During the first couple of episodes, I only thought that this drama was cute and heartwarming and nothing more. But it's funny isn't it? How some stories can slowly etch themselves into our hearts without us even realising it. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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The Warmth That I Didn't Knew I Needed It

i remember i didn't had the intention of watching this series but somehow i watch the first eps on the day that air. when people said that first episode is the key of the series, i believe it, cause tell me why i got hooked to this series from the very start.

no words could actually tell how much i love this series. this series really does have a great storyline. i love how much this series could give the bridge of relationship development whether its for thamepo itself or mars too.

the moral story of this series is something that u need to understand in this world and i love how this series could wrap this value so deep. it's the first series that i felt every episode felt so short cause the complexity of the plot itself. it so damn good that u didn't want to skip.

i love how much romantic relationship is shown in this series. i remember i always giggling watching thamepo when its been so very long i didn't felt this when watching hetero or homosexual romance series, but thamepo bring that back.

the cinematic was a chef kiss, every scene felt so beautiful. every emotion capture so well that u couldn't believe it. and don't get me started of how the actor actress potray the character. most of them were a rookie but God, they acting was unbeliavable.

thank you thamepo for being here, thank you for being one of the reason for me to stay alive. thank you

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Dorm is not exactly a horror movie in the traditional sense.

Ton (the main character) is a bold, assertive, extroverted young boy with many friends. He's enjoying his life until his father, with whom he has a poor relationship, decides to pack and ship him off to a boarding school in Chon Buri. His father says he wants him to spend more time on studying than watching television, but Ton knows that is a lie—he knows his father is having an affair and his father has sent him away so that he never reveals the truth.

At first he's lonely and does not fit in well. The strict administrator, Miss Pranee, doesn't seem to be doing much to make his adjustment to the school easy. All this changes when he befriends Vichien (the secondary protagonist), whom he soon learns is a ghost who dies every night. It seems Miss Pranee appears to be a common denominator in his death— nobody can quite figure out why.

The movie is best described as average—the acting, cinematography, directing, and script are just okay. Nothing too bad, but nothing too great either. The predictable plot is drawn out.

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So funny, feel good drama

This drama is so funny. It made me laugh and giggle.
Both mainleads are beautiful. I think they have great chemistry.
The acting of the whole cast is great.
The 2ML and ML must have had big fun while shooting this drama. For some people, 2ML was their favourite character.

There are no unnecessary long monologues or violent scenes.
However, the spice is mild, too. But as I mentioned, the chemistry is there and when they do "chemistry" together you totally cheer for them.

I love strong females and if you are the same like me, then you'll enjoy this one.
There isn't a damsel in distress, rather a female making the ML stressed with pranks and flirts.

There are only few flashbacks (as it is a rebirth drama). The flashbacks are rare and short.
So if you're not a fan of rebirth stories I think you'll enjoy it anyways.

(I didn't focus on the music, wanted to not rate it but I have to put a number to rate it)

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Mediocre

And yet again a sequel with completely different actors for the old characters...i really hate that!
The story was nothing special, and somtimes i don't mind that, but this time it was kind of boring..

The acting was mediocore, especially Mark and he was the main! His acting looked so rehearsed.
Luckily Danny acted quite good. I was sad to see this is the only drama he played in.

Visuals were great and the music was good.

But then the kisses! It is such shame when you have one good kisser and the partner doesn't kiss at all. This was for the main couple and also with Phana and Wayu. The bed scene's with the mains were good.
The kiss scense of the other 2 couples were good.

Do i recommend watching this? Neh....not really..

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Jabbing the competition

A political and social drama disguised as a crime/cop series or whatever label is usually slapped onto police and gangster shows.

The initial plot seems, at first glance, quite simple: the young and honest police officer An Xin, and Gao Qiqiang, a man battered by life and seemingly destined to become a crime boss. One chases, the other escapes in countless ways while doing terrible things. It looks like that’s all there is, but it isn’t. The true strength of the story lies in the fact that it is not, in essence or exclusively, about gathering clues and unmasking a shadowy big bad.
Rather, it is about how society as a whole shapes, and is shaped by, the crucial roles played by those in power, both in the micro and macro environments they orbit. A simple and noble gesture, like reaching out a hand to someone at rock bottom, can end up triggering the downfall of one’s own life, while for someone else, a single “yes” at the wrong moment turns into countless “no’s” in the future.

It is remarkable to watch the almost unhinged, barely restrained An Xin transform from an honest and optimistic police officer (and person) into a melancholic and lonely man, forged by guilt and hopelessness hammered into his mind by the rise of Gao Qiqiang as an underworld kingpin. Gao, once a victim rescued by An Xin, with whom he shared an initial bond of friendship and complicity, inevitably becomes the source of bitterness and rivalry between what we are tempted to call the good guys and the bad guys.
If only it were that simple.
The journey is far more complex, with multiple themes introduced in such a natural and believable way that we are easily transported into the small world of Jinghai City, populated by its many players, politicians, the corrupt, the wealthy, and good old bureaucracy acting in ways that consistently benefit those pursuing their own self-interest.

Roughly divided into three acts (almost like three seasons, and the ending of season 1 and 2 are peak), each stage of the series covers a different period of time without ever underestimating the viewer’s intelligence. The information is all there; the characters and their relationships evolve over time, and there is no wasted effort on hand-holding or self-explanation. The characters’ actions and constant forward momentum are more than enough to keep us glued to the screen.

This is the kind of series that is hard to talk about, because it feels more like a long, well-written novel: countless characters enter our lives, and the overarching plot gradually becomes secondary. What truly matters is witnessing the characters’ development and the organic way they interact with, and are affected by, the prevailing social order of their time.

A proper drama, something increasingly rare in today’s fast-food entertainment.

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The Thai version of "The Count of Monte Cristo"

Hypnotic is one of the latest shows on Netflix and it very much appears to be a Thai version of the critically-acclaimed novel "The Count of Monte Cristo".

Central to the show is the glam and appeal of the Thai upper-class—they are generally regarded as an untouchable caste in Thai society due to their wealth, power, and influence. They have, after all, contributed greatly to Thailand's economy and success.

Sara/Kamon (the main protagonist) comes across as this charming, well-respected, and down-to earth psychologist, but little do people know that she's on a revenge mission: to tear apart the Lerthanakul family, a wealthy, powerful, and well-connected family respected and admired by many. Prior to the start of the show, they murdered Sara/Kamon's family, left Sara/Kamon for dead, and the main character will stop at nothing to break them apart.

Things are remarkably tense in the Lerthanakul household. The moment Sydney, Naree's youngest and mentally unstable daughter, gets suspended from school for bullying, the Lerthanakuls are forced to take her to therapy sessions with Sara/Kamon—the perfect infiltration opportunity for her to bring the Lerthanakul house down.

Naree (the main antagonist) is an explosive, vitriolic narcissist who takes pride in harming and hurting others. Her equally erratic husband, the son of a high-ranking police officer, despises her and her family and exhibits no social grace or manners. The feeling of hate towards the family is mutual—they know he's an irritating character with a disgusting personality, but they tolerate him because the matriarch of the family won't allow him and Naree to get divorced.

Naree is in constant denial and it can be clearly seen that she's someone who reasons with emotion, rather than reason—she refuses to admit she's a failed parent or that her daughter is unstable; instead she throws vivid, if not completely comedic, temper tantrums whenever she can't accept that she's in the wrong.

Woranan, the eldest sister, is the exact opposite of her younger sister and her husband, or so it seems, appears to be just as calm and collected as her—she just wants the family to be together and co-exist peacefully with one another. Her sweet, naïve, and simple nature allows people to manipulate her easily, but even the nicest and sweetest of people have their limits—Woranan doesn't hesitate to stand up for herself at times.

The matriarch of the family is just as bad as Naree—she is violent and regularly intimidates other members of the family, including the children. But unlike Naree, she uses her cold expressions to state exactly what she thinks and knows how to put people in their place.

A wonderfully crafted cat-and-mouse plot is the backbone of the show—right from the start Naree suspects that something about Sara/Kamon is not entirely right and her suspicions correctly grow and grow as the show progresses. With just 12 episodes, the plot sometimes feels fast-paced and rushed and it fools you into thinking that the plot is entirely predictable. Expect major twists and turns along the way, and expect major surprises.

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I kept hoping that something would happen from this series and convinced myself of it. However, so much unprofessionalism and illogicality that I give up. Anyone go see the weapons and equipment exhibition and read a book??? Does that make any sense to anyone??? They could have collided in passing with nowhere to go. The acting is terribly bad and pretentious, I can't take it anymore, unfortunately.
It's too stretched from extreme to extreme, a good 6 episodes could have been recorded and everything was shown under tension so stretched that it was forgotten since the last episode, not to mention the first episode.
And yes, for you who rate everything as fans out of 10...why didn't any series get any awards? Be a little realistic, if something is bad, then it is bad, and you still love your actors, no one is stopping you!

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Um ciclo fechadinho

Assistir cdramas de 30+ episódios sempre foi um desafio para mim, principalmente quando é cdrama moderno e de romance. Sempre chega um momento em que a história fica morna, as coisas não andam ou tudo fica emperrado em dramas desnecessários clichês.
Mas definitivamente esse não foi o caso de "Shine on me". Aqui acompanhamos, antes de qualquer coisa, a construção inteira de dois personagens: uma herdeira desapegada do dinheiro que tem começando debaixo e um ex-cirurgião que tem traumas relacionados ao seu trabalho. Xi Guan, pra mim, é uma personagem fantástica porque o aparente desapego dela com o seu papel de herdeira na verdade seu medo de encarar o mundo corporativo, sua "leveza" é disfarce para fuga e isso faz sentido a partir do momento que conhecemos sua complexa família.
Eu achei muito interessante terem focado nessa personagem nos 5 primeiros capítulos porque só assim nós entendemos, do seu ponto de vista, o que significou se apaixonar pelo Zhuang Xu, qual a base de suas amizades na universidade, seu jeitinho doce, desapegado e alegre de viver sendo apenas uma jovem sem muitas perspectivas de futuro.
Yu Sen, por outro lado, só aparece no 5° episódio e de uma maneira que parece ser alguém que assiste à vida de Xi Guan. No começo pensamos que ele é apenas um estereótipo de chefe em drama asiático: frio, impassível, workaholic, mas aos poucos vamos percebendo sua vulnerabilidade, sua doçura, seu jeito de ver o mundo, sua dor...
A relação dos dois é, obviamente, o ponto alto da história. O amor paciente de Yu Sen, a sinceridade e honestidade da Xi Guan aos poucos ir abandonando uma parte sua apaixonada pelo primeiro amor da faculdade, os altos e baixos de acompanharmos a vida de todas essas pessoas da faculdade até o mais alto grau de sucesso em família e em amor é definitivamente um motivo especial para ver este drama.

Os personagens secundários não ficam para trás, mesmo com foco no casal, o drama fez questão de abrir núcleos e fechá-los coerentemente. Entendemos a psicologia do pai da Xi Guan, sua redenção, entendemos a figura da mãe como um ponto importantíssimo para discutir papéis de gênero na China Moderna quanto a mulheres no mundo corporativo, entendemos o personagem Zhuang Xu, afundado em complexo de inferioridade, lutando pela sua mãe doente e não se sentindo digno do amor de uma herdeira... São histórias que vão fazendo sentido, personagens que não foram colocados ali para cumprirem um papel de suporte para a história do casal, mas que tiveram suas próprias histórias.
Acredito que existam apenas dois pontos que me incomodaram: a motivação do ódio do Yu Sen (a pessoa que o convidou para o encontro não ter visitado ele no hospital) é extremamente fraca. Como a pessoa é culpada pelo acidente só porque foi o motivo da outra sair de casa? não faz sentido, ninguém tinha culpa. Acho que faltou na história a percepção do Yu Sen de que ele simplesmente passou por uma tragédia aleatória como qualquer pessoa do mundo e acredito que chegar a essa percepção enriqueceria o personagem.
Um outro ponto foi a atuação e também construção da personagem da "madrasta"/amante do Nie Chen (pai da prota). Achei ela muito plana, sem profundidade, como se propositadamente estivesse ali só para ser a vilã, mas enfim, pelo menos não conseguiu atrapalhar a vida de ninguém.

Fora isso e algumas cenas mal gravadas e editadas (o cgi horroroso kkkkk), acho que Shine on Me entra como um dos grandes dramas asiáticos no quesito de romance, diria que a China é mestre em construir um casal apaixonado e maduro e a Coreia tem MUITO a aprender com suas últimas romcoms e romances desastrosos.

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