Reviews

Let me put my 2 cents in...

So...I had initially thought it wasn't going to be good. Idk why to be honest. Anyways, with it only being 9 episodes, I was like--might as well push through. Here's the good and the bad:
Good:
1. Acting wasn't bad. I liked pretty much everyone, especially after the first episode.
2. I liked the fact that our main leads were able to date around despite liking each other. It isn't realistic to me (all the time) that you would deny having feelings for someone and actively avoid dating them, but not date other people.
3. They had a lot of life events--everything didn't go perfect for them. They had moments of doubt in themselves, anxiety surrounding the future, and hopelessness. None of our characters were perfect. Sometimes they were wrong and other times they were right.

Bad:
1. So many life events happened that I got anxious. While it added a touch of realism, since there were only 9 episodes everything felt a lot.
2. Sometimes I was unable to keep up with what year we were in. Their phones never changed, their hairstyles never changed...so it was easy to keep them pretty present. Like, I knew years were passing, because things would happen off screen in the pieces of the year we didn't see..but there weren't always clear moments.
3. Also... their two friends were so annoying. I did not care about them. Please, no. Like I was so bothered when they would pop up.

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WORST KDRAMA EVER

Idk even know where to begin. My bf and i love the movie "life as we know it" and in general i love kdramas so when i saw our universe and they have a similar plot i was so excited. THIS HAD SM POTENTIAL and everything went down the drain. Im only giving this drama a 2 bc of the uncle and woojoo but other than that no. Atp i should the writer and director should quit. Worst story ever. They couldve just followed the plot of the movie they didnt even prolong the love triangle there?!?! What is it with kdrama family dramas and forcing love triangles bruh. This story is supposed to have much more depth to the leads going through grief together, figuring out their new life with their nephew.. NOT THE FL FLIRTING AROUND W HER BOSS. The aunt who wanted custody doing nothing and the uncle who didnt want custody doing EVERYTHING like make it make sense. Like how are u gonna salvage the last few episodes if theres no relationship built upon the fl and ml...atp just choose the sl because they had more progess lmfao. Such a wasted storyline and kdrama. It was bae in hyuks chance to show his main lead potential with a good storyline after cheer up.

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Excellent Acting but full of Plot holes and stupid decisions by an Elite

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75-8.0
Objective Rating: 7.5

I was lucky enough to watch this movie at the theater, which probably increases the suspense and excitement. As I finished watching the movie, I had one big question and one production value complaint. But as I thought more about the movie and read some other comments, there are more and more plotholes.

The acting of the cast is this movie’s strongest point. I am already a big fan of Zhu Yi Long and never really question his acting performance. Jackson Yee acts in more movies than dramas, but his acting is just as good and more subtle than Zhu Yi Long’s more expressive and explosive acting. Rounding up the cast are the veterans Song Jia and Lei Jia Yin, and supporting roles in Yang Mi, Liu Shi Shi and Lin Bo Yang.

If I don’t use my brain much, this movie is full of action, suspense and emotional outbursts. With great acting, time went by really fast. I was engaged and followed along the story, tried to see who the mole was and then looked forward to the decisions made and the ending of the mole.

But once I start to use my brain, then things don’t act up. Why did the mole finally act on being the spy and do bad things? Yes, it might be a scandal since he used his genitals instead of his brain. But that should not force him to act on continuing being that spy. He actually hasn’t done anything horrible yet when he figured out he was set up in the beginning. For someone who is an elite, the dumb decisions made by him are incomprehensible. You knew who set you up, yet you continue to protect her (and think with your genitals) instead of reporting everything to your supervisors to save your ass. Where is his brain??

Women in this drama are resorted to side characters. Yang Mi might have a slightly bigger role. She’s pretty and sexy, and was selling her sex appeal in a way. Liu Shi Shi has a much smaller role. All she did was cry. What a waste of talent. Even Song Jia as the female lead has a lot less screen time than the two male leads. She also didn’t do much aside from a few conversations here and there. Lin Bo Yang disappeared after the initial 10-15 minutes of the movie.

My initial production complaint is the inconsistency of the depiction of this future world. Aside from some fancy drones, fast technology in locating criminals, fancy security cameras, the general feel of this world does not seem very futuristic. The taxis look like regular slow pokes. The cop cars look like regular cars these days. Even when one of the male leads is stalking the other one, it was done in such a low-tech way. Disguise is putting on a wig, mask and changing clothes. Leaving cell phones wrapped in plastic inside trash bins everywhere is child’s play. I guess the janitors don’t really do a good job with emptying trash linings.

To end on a positive note, the OST is great. The songs are appropriate and complement the events on screen. The songs all have a very melancholy sound to it but beautiful.

If it’s not for the excellent acting and the interesting suspense and cat-and-mouse chase (and when I didn’t use my brain much at the theater), I would have rated this movie a little lower. But I was entertained throughout and did find the movie “fun” when I came out of the theater. Therefore, I am giving this an 7.75, rounding up to 8.0. I just wish the script was better and the plot holes are smaller.



Completed: 3/5/2026 Review #672

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Okay Secret Love story.

I watched this drama years ago. Personally i quite hardly liked campus drama, but this drama was quite decent even not the level that make me obsessed like usual CP ship drama. The plot is smooth, the pacing is tight, the filters are natural, the costumes and props are fitting, the background music is OK, the dialogue is original, and the cinematography is delicate. The actors' acting skills and looks are both on point, the characters are well-developed, and the contrasts are striking. FL is a gentle and reserved academic high-achiever, with a delicate and sensitive mind, hiding a secret crush that has continued since high school.

FL records her feelings ML in her diary. Seemingly timid, she will do her best to get closer to him and attend the same university. When faced with favoritism, she will reveal undisguised joy and shyness. ML appears to be a carefree and unrestrained "one-night stand" god, but in reality, he is devoted and deeply affectionate. Seemingly indifferent to everything, he secretly pays attention to FL. No angst included in this drama. The supporting characters are also excellent, such as the considerate best friend.

Recommended to watch if you like secret love story.

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Timeless show, IMO

The first two and the last two episodes were my favorites. I think I cried every time the two mothers were on screen. It was just so heartbreaking because they both loved the same child, and it was cruel when they had to part ways. The foreshadowing as the show developed was incredible. For example, Eun Soo once said she was not truly their daughter because she thought she looked different from them. Later, she said she would have to die before Joon Suh did, and we all know how that turned out.

I was never fully sold on the main love story, and I still wish she had chosen Tae Seok. I like to believe that in her final moments she did have feelings for him. I did cry when Joon Suh insisted on dying together with her. It all ended in that same spot, which completely changed the trajectory of Eun Soo’s life and their family. Also, no one can convince me that their love story was not incestuous. I cringed at every one of their scenes, especially their kiss scene, sorry not sorry.

The soundtrack was amazing. I loved it. For some reason it reminded me of autumn and really captured the essence of the show’s title.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed that we never really got to hear Shin Ae’s perspective. It is ironic because she had a lot of screen time during her teen years but far less as an adult. In fact, some of the supporting cast had more screen time than her.

I am pretty sure I watched the cut down and edited version. Most legal streaming sites apparently shaved off five to ten minutes per episode, so it made the show feel less cohesive in my experience. I tried my best to find an unedited version, but aside from Blu rays, which would take days to ship to my area, there were no options.

If you were to watch this now, I would recommend blurring or skipping some scenes, as certain plot /dialogues are quite questionable. And to be fair, in its time, it was the trend/norm i guess..

Overall, I had a fun watch and really enjoyed the show.

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Folks, are you cherishing the small moments in your life?

➥ First Impressions
Sometimes a drama doesn’t need grand twists or dramatic conflicts to leave a lasting impression. A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You is simplicity at its best - just like the words in its English title, it is truly calm and beautiful. If you enjoy soft, slow, gentle love stories - especially awkward or shy first-love dynamics - this one absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist. I also have a soft spot for wartime stories, which is another reason this drama had been on my watchlist for quite some time.

➥ A Story About Finding Joy in Small Moments
Set in Japan during 1936-37, with the looming shadow of war in the background, the drama quietly depicts everyday life - particularly the lives of families connected to the navy. At first, I did struggle a little with how women were portrayed, mostly limited to housework and domestic responsibilities. As a modern viewer, it felt uncomfortable initially. I also wasn’t completely sold on the male lead’s expressions in the beginning; at times they felt a little exaggerated. However, as the story progressed, I realized that these small issues mattered less because the emotional core of the drama lies elsewhere. At its heart, the story is about learning to cherish the small things in life, especially when the future feels uncertain.

➥ Two Love Stories, Two Different Dynamics
The drama presents two romances, each with its own charm.

The main love story follows two introverted individuals brought together through an arranged marriage. The husband serves in the navy, which means he is often away for long periods of time. Despite the distance, the unfamiliarity, and their shy personalities, the couple slowly begins to understand each other. What starts off as awkward and hesitant gradually grows into something warm and comforting. Their relationship becomes a quiet safe space built on patience, respect, and unspoken affection.

The supporting couple, on the other hand, brings a completely different dynamic. One character has no desire to marry, while the other is a charming casanova who believes women are only interested in him because of his family name and face card. Their interactions feel like a playful clash of values and personalities, yet their story unfolds into something surprisingly mature and adorable. Even with limited screen time, their romance is incredibly endearing.

➥ The Beauty of Quiet Storytelling
Beyond the romances, the drama also highlights themes of family bonds, friendships, and sibling affection. With war looming in the background, the characters face uncertainty and worry - yet they continue to live their daily lives with resilience. The storytelling here relies on small gestures, quiet moments, and unspoken understanding. There are very few grand romantic declarations, but the affection between the characters feels deeply genuine and heartfelt.

One scene that stayed with me is when the main couple creates a handmade board game using milestones from their own daily lives. Watching them add what might seem like mundane moments - yet seeing the pages fill up quickly - was incredibly touching. It was a simple but powerful reminder to appreciate the small joys in everyday life.

➥ Overall Thoughts
Watching this drama feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or sipping a comforting cup of tea. It’s gentle, soothing, and quietly emotional. Another drama that gave me a similar feeling was Barakamon, so it was really nice to find something that captured that same warm, peaceful atmosphere again.

The story doesn’t rely on shocking twists or over-the-top drama. Instead, it focuses on small, meaningful moments - and somehow leaves you smiling long after the credits roll. Sometimes we simply need stories like these. And for that reason alone, I would definitely recommend giving this drama a watch at least once.

P.S. I have a soft spot for themes of fireflies. It started with the song by Owl City, and then of course the anime works Grave of the Fireflies and Hotarubi no Mori e. Both had sad endings, so I was a little apprehensive when fireflies started appearing in this drama. Thankfully, it all ended beautifully 😅

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A good story turns into complete garbage by a lot of cliches

Generation to Generation" is a classic case of highbudget production being wasted on a script that feels like it was written by an AI recycling old tropes. While the aesthetic is beautiful, the actual experience of watching it is deeply frustrating and irritating.
Lets talk about drama
Story and romance:The writing is the biggest letdown. The romance is built on the most tired cliches imaginable. We are stuck in a loop of the female lead (FL) leaving the male lead ML because she "can't leave her family," followed by inevitable, repetitive reunions that lose all emotional impact by the third time it happens. The writer seems to have no idea how to develop a relationship beyond these circular conflicts.

The "Obsessed" ML Trope: The show falls into the trap of making the ML an "obsessed freak." It’s a trope we’ve seen a thousand times, and here it’s handled poorly. What’s worse is the FL’s complete lack of reaction; she doesn't seem to care about his behavior, making their dynamic feel hollow and unrealistic. Throw in a forced, unnecessary love triangle, and you have a romance that is more exhausting than endearing.(Some people called it cute you might be one of them if you think its cute)it was annoying and irritating (fl was loved by her family and ml was constantly pulling strings without her knowing ofc she not gonna leave her family for a man who keep playing but it was happening again and again instead of cute it turned into garage

Acting: The actors do their best with the material they are given. Zhou Yiran and Bao Shangen have visual chemistry but even their talent can't save a script that gives them nothing new to work with. idk why tf bao and zhou yi ran even choosed this script
Ost:The OST is actually quite good and manages to create a mood that the plot fails to sustain. It’s the only part of the show that feels "good"
Final :
If you like looking at pretty costumes and listening to a nice soundtrack while ignoring a nonsensical, trope-heavy plot, you might get through this. Otherwise, the "obsessed" ML the chopped editing and the repetitive "I must leave for my family" cycle make this a skip.

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Stalkers and Mindreaders V2

The inherent problem with watching a remake of an adaptation because you want to watch the "remake", is that comparisons will be commonplace. Yes, maybe it's my fault for watching it because it's a remake, but curiosity + simping = bad decisions.

And if you've watched The Boy Next World (TH), you'll know what I'm talking about when I say this isn't really a story that you watch and go °wow°
The story is pretty bad, you're thinking plot twist but beneath all that it's just lousy writing. Yet, the wonderful thing about remakes is that you can everything that the adaptation did wrong, right. In this case, it's definitely the story. And it's so funny how they chose to keep in every bit of the trash writing that was in the Thai drama, not even toned down, just reduced in runtime.

Every single plot point is exactly the same, I was hoping they would make some changes, but except for the single one at the very end of the series, zero. By doing that, and reducing the runtime, they had to cut something out and the thing they chose to cut hurt me deeply. Because it's important to remember that the main couple in this series are kind of.. eh. They're not bad (I'll get to why later on), but I'd very much argue that in terms of dynamics, the second couple are so much better. And because I'm a simp, everyone will have to believe me when I say Jin was objectively the best character in there. Come on!

In the remake, they drastically cut down on his role in the story and the screentime my sweet cloud prince and his "Tiger" got was ridiculously low. The remake just lacked - and I can't believe I'm saying this - the charm of the Thai adaptation. Charm is a stretch but we get the point. It felt very lackluster, for the reasons above but mostly because of the following one.

The chemistry? The reason Cirrus and Phu worked for me was because of the chemistry between Boss and Noeul. Without that, well. It's basically this. Again, the leads here do have chemistry, but I'm missing the easy flowing one. That also extends to the interactions with their respective friend groups, each other's friends, etc. Even the interactions with the "villains" felt so bleh.

That's where we circle back to the story, because I think cutting down what I would usually consider "filler", actually made me like it less. The heart and the humour of the Thai adaptation was missing here, that one was equally egregious, but I had so much fun with it.

The Boy Next World is definitely not at the top of my recommendations list, but I would say my preference is the Thai drama. Objectively, this one for the concise story and okay chemistry, Thai drama for good chemistry and an expanded story, and not at all if you're not really looking for a story that's going to leave you with more questions than answers.

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Romance done right!

With a lot of heart and humour and without the usual drawn out misunderstandings.

The ML steals the show for me as he shows much more range in this role and pulled it off all beautifully! FL was good but her long fingernails were a bit of a distraction for me.

Instead of the common 1 person transmigrating into a book, we have a few this time and it creates for some unique touches to the storyline.*

I love it when a story can give me few little extras that I haven’t seen before, like the second FL, doctor and little mute girl.

So glad to have a nice happy ending that did not seem too abrupt.

Note: The OST reminds me of Love Between Fairy & Devil - both the singer and the way the music crescendoes dramatically in a nice way.

* spoiler: can you imagine growing into an adult trapped in a different world? So so sad when this was revealed.

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Perfection!

This series completely flew under the radar. I am so disappointed in myself for not reviewing it when it came out, for this happens to be one of the better BLs to come out of Taiwan in a very long time. I loved this series. It completely captured me. Its screenplay, the story itself, and the acting are all top-notch. Ironically, this story is as old as the hills. Full of cliché and tropes, it was all put together in a compendium that was smooth, polished, and so entertaining. Its story flowed, made sense, and was performed with complete conviction and integrity. Not just with the protagonists but also with the astonishingly brilliant child actors who played the younger protagonists with such charm and foundational integrity. We literally get to ‘see’ how the younger protagonists got to become their older selves. The supporting characters are also very sublime. A few even have quirky personas that gave this series an extra kick of spiciness. The ebbing and flowing of the development of their relationship are all based on circumstances that make complete sense and are so relatable to what happens in our own life. This is one of the most joyful, captivating, emotionally rich and gratifying BLs to come along in a very long time. Not in a Pollyanna fashion but in a frank and appurtenant fashion making it feel that a gay relationship can be ‘normal’.

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It’s not meant to make you feel good. It’s meant to make you feel everything.

All About Lily Chou-Chou is the kind of movie that was often made in the early 2000s;the type that completely messes with your brain and leaves you thinking, *“That was crazy… but also genius.”*
It’s not an easy watch. The film dives into different layers of human nature in very raw and unfiltered ways. At times it’s shocking, uncomfortable, and even difficult to sit through. But that intensity is exactly what makes it powerful.

Trying to explain the plot is actually pretty complicated. There are many characters, many events, and a lot of “why” behind what happens. The story moves through different perspectives and moments, but somehow everything connects through Lily Chou-Chou and the music that surrounds her.

Honestly, it’s the kind of film you just have to experience for yourself. Watching it felt like going on a strange and emotional journey. It’s not a happy story at all in fact, it can feel quite heavy and overwhelming. But at the same time, it’s brilliant.
It’s one of those movies that you admire for its creativity and boldness, even though it leaves you feeling a little horrible afterward. And maybe that’s exactly the point.

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A wonderful drama.

This is truly not a drama for everyone. I noticed many negative reviews, both about the production and the cast. I had already added it to my watchlist because of Wang Xing Yue, as I really admire his work and the way he brings his characters to life. However, after seeing so many criticisms, I decided to start watching it sooner.

“Sooner” is just a figure of speech, because with a drama that requires so much attention, that is absolutely impossible. And this one definitely does!

The episodes were long, which I greatly appreciated. I really dislike short episodes like those in many Chinese and Korean BL dramas. They often leave me with a feeling of disconnection, emptiness, and not enough time to properly connect with the characters and the story.

In *Revelation: The Jade Wind*, the connection with the characters was excellent—not only with the main leads, but also with the many supporting characters involved in the different cases presented throughout the story. There were several storylines, many mysteries to unravel, many beautifully choreographed fight scenes, and numerous moments of reflection and wonder.

I really enjoyed seeing Xiao Huai Jin (Wang Xing Yue) as a calm and thoughtful astronomer—intelligent, rational, physically weak, and even quite frail at times—yet a perfect counterpart to the impulsive Li Pei Yi (Bai Lu).

I wouldn’t say they were a couple with overwhelming chemistry like the wonderful pair in *Fated Hearts* (Li Qin and Chen Zheyuan). I hope fans forgive me for making this comparison, but I truly dislike when the male character treats his partner like a fragile porcelain doll—barely touching her, offering only quick pecks, and showing almost no real passion.

In my opinion, if someone chooses acting as a profession, they should fully commit to the character they are portraying. That is not to say the actors here did not give their best. On the contrary, their performances were excellent. But the romantic scenes… unfortunately, they left much to be desired. I kept hoping to see at least one more intense moment. Ah!

That small complaint aside, the plot itself was impeccable. For those who enjoy a good criminal investigation, mysteries, and suspense, this drama delivers very well.

Among all the storylines, the one I liked the most was the case involving the former castle maids. As for the resolution of the main case—the murder of Li Pei Yi’s family—it could have been more engaging. I didn’t particularly like how it was concluded, and once again, as happens in many Chinese historical dramas, the king’s character comes across as obtuse and weak, falling far short of what one would expect from the leader of a nation.

Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely—but mainly for those who have patience and can appreciate a well-developed story despite its slower pacing.

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