Reviews

How can I explain Love Upon a Time? I don't think there are enough words to describe this masterpiece. I think Love Upon a Time can be summed up in one feeling. Several feelings, actually. It's a love story, a story of pain, loss, an emotional story that touches the heart and makes the mind reflect and theorize all the time. It has mystery, romance, delicacy, and culture. Love Upon a Time is many things. It's a series that can only be understood after watching it. A 400-year-old love that can only be comprehended after you get to know these incredible characters: Phop, Nakhun, Jom, Kaew, Chuay, Sai, among other wonderful characters who formed this story.
All I can say is that if you like romance, reincarnation stories, or stories that go back in time, with mystery, investigation, and such a delicate love story, then Love Upon a Time is for you! It will always be the first story I recommend to anyone who asks for recomedations of love storys in bl.

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Loving the New Roles of William and Est

I love that William and Est has stepped into this kind of role, it challenges their acting skills and so far I think they are doing a great job. The series so far has really just portrayed some terrible characters and I mean that in a good way. Pun, who stalks Dean's whereabouts as well as his social media, not accepting the fact that he doesn't want him and not knowing boundaries. Ten who is forcing his friend to continue to put up a facade, knowing that Moth doesn't truly want Dean. And Dean who seems to be selfish. I do appreciate the fact that Dean at least communicated with Moth, apologizingto him. Moth, however, did not truly apologize to Dean for the name calling. I love when characters have flaws as it makes them a bit more relatable (although I can relate to none of these people😅). But its something different and so far I have enjoyed every episode.

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"Stop calling me a hero. I just yell."

A Descendant of Urashima Taro was a strange departure for Naruse Mikio who was not known for his politically charged films. Given that it was 1946 and he had both Japanese and Allied censors over his shoulder and a populace reeling economically, socially, emotionally, and politically from WWII, I’m willing to cut him some slack on the overt propaganda. It was supposedly inspired by Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a 1939 Frank Capra film. There was also a passing correlation to the fairytale of Urashima Taro.*

Reporter Tatsuta Akako hears a radio program interview of a repatriated soldier who had been stranded on an uncharted island for a year and a half. He learned a yell the islanders used when they were sad. Over the airwaves he cries for Japan, desiring a democratic rebirth where all people have a say and stake in the country. Akako figures out how to market the hermit Urashima Goro’s huge beard and iconic yell in order for her to have stories to write. The Japan Happiness Party also sees Urashima as a money maker and puppet for their party. Though they bill themselves as democratic they are just another configuration of the old system run by the zaibatsu-powerful financial conglomerates.

ADoUT starred Fujita Susumu as Urashima, an actor I was introduced to through Kurosawa Akira films like Sanshiro Sugata (1943) and kaiju flicks like Dogora (1964), but due to his large unkempt beard and the blurriness of the film I couldn’t recognize him. Takamine Hideko was the intrepid reporter who created and then had to destroy Urashima. Again, the blurriness of the film obscured her beautiful face, but her distinctive voice rang true. Reliable character actress, Sugimura Haruko, played Akako’s savvy boss.

The film was needlessly repetitive and if I never hear that Tarzan falling off a cliff yell again it will be too soon. I’m all for democracy but the rhetoric was laid on thick and often. There was a legitimate call for people to take part in the political process and to be aware of fake parties attempting to lead them back to the past. Urashima desired for Japan to be reborn. “Hope should be as big as the sun.” The performances were fine for the film but this wasn’t exactly a showcase for the actors’ abilities. The only hint I saw of Naruse was that women played prominent roles in the film both as creators and destroyers. Worth a view for a look into that moment in Japanese history and if you are a Naruse completionist.

18 September 2026

Title note: aka The Descendants of Taro Urashima. I went with the singular Descendant title as it at least had the name in the correct order.

*Urashima Taro-Urashima Goro mentioned that he made up the bit about being a descendant as the original Urashima had no offspring. Urashima Taro was a fisherman who rescued a sea turtle being tortured by children and was rewarded with a trip to the underwater Dragon Palace where he met the princess he’d saved. After a few days he asked to go home. The princess gifted him a box that would protect him but he must never open it. When he returned to his village, 300 years had gone by. In despair he opened the box and instantly became an old man, as the box had contained his old age.

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Ai Generation

Personally, I do think Kiss or Kill has a lot of potential. The story itself is interesting, although there are definitely some parts that left me questioning things. My biggest issue, however, is the use of AI-generated flashbacks. I understand that the show may not have had a high budget, but whenever the AI flashbacks appeared, they took me out of the story and reminded me that I was watching a drama rather than being immersed in it. Besides that, it’s relatively a decent watch if you can push the AI aspect aside. I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but I wouldn’t say it’s the worst either. It sits somewhere in the middle for me.

If you really hate AI-generated content, I’d probably recommend skipping this one, because it can be distracting throughout the show. However, if you don’t mind it too much, then I’d say give it a go and see how you feel about it. The music is alright, but not the best. As for the acting, I would’t say it’s perfect, especially since the cast are newer actors, so there’s definitely room for improvement. That said, they do a decent job overall, and I think they have potential to grow with more experience.

Would I ever rewatch? No.
Would I recommend it? Low chance I would unless you don't mind ai generated stuff.
Is the story aside from the ai good? I would call it decent.

Off topic, but Nie Chuan reminds me of Peter Pan for some reason, and I genuinely cannot explain why. There’s just something about him that gives me Peter Pan vibes, but I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is.

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I'm sorry i tried but i just cant

I was honestly excited for this drama because of the cast. I really wanted to love it, and I tried to keep myself interested while watching, but unfortunately, it just felt boring. The chemistry wasn’t there for me, either.

I’m sorry for the negative review, but I’ve been watching dramas for decades, and usually, a good drama manages to hook me within the first episode, or at least the second. With this one, I found myself forcing myself to give it another chance with every episode. Sadly, it just didn’t work for me.

But hey maybe its not everybody's cup of tea.

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A love so Imperfect it was Perfect

I have never been so moved and invested into any drama the way I was with this one. I am beyond speechless on how everyone involved managed to deliver such a masterpiece to us in way that retained and conveyed the emotion the book intended. I felt like I was growing/living with them in all the years that their romance spanned, and I was so sucked in one episode a day felt like torture to me.

The story is somewhat of a mature romance albeit a little toxic here and there but that is because the characters are written in a very human way (if you catch my drift). I felt like I could relate so much to both of them, their story, and just the struggles of their relationship. It was almost like mirror therapy with how Luke struggled to be vulnerable and show his true feelings, while flora -at times- did not consider their relationship to be a conventional bf/gf relationship. As a book girly, I was being spoiled! This show had me clutching my pearls and biting my nails from how natural and engaging the script and scenes were. It was like they pulled the scenes out of my mind and brought them to life exactly how I imagined them when reading the book.

I think it was an amazing story if you can recognize that most relationships in reality are not the perfect sell dramas give us. Everyone -including me- wants a Lin Yu-Sen (ikykyk), but the reality of it is that most people end up with a Luke (not that it’s a bad thing, personally on the floor for this Luke), it’s just a matter of setting boundaries and learning each other’s communication styles. There was a power imbalance in their relationship, which definitely played a role in how they interacted in their relationship, and it was just so amazing to see how they explored their relationship while also balancing their work life. The characters, their chemistry, the ost, the visuals, and the outfits -gosh don’t get me started on the fits- everything about was amazing. If there was one thing I would change, is that I wish it was longer and that we would have gotten an episode that shave us a glimpse into their life together in the future especially with their daughter (in the book).

Overall everything was a ten for me and I’m on my way to rewatch it😆.

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Watch the 1988 movie with Michelle Pfeiffer & John Malkovich

A short review:

Nothing fits here, it's a very long accident. The setting in Joseon time does not fit the European Baroque style music - at all.
The actors seem like they are all exhaustingly trying hard to read their lines one by one. There is no chemistry between, well, no one actually - I think that is a first =D

I fast forwarded through all 8 episodes after watching the first episode and I couldn't take it anymore. There was no chemistry or connection between Ji Chang Wook and Son Ye-yin - both actors I normally like and both actors who can act - but not here. Both are pale and wooden in their acting, worlds from what they can show as actors.

I didn't know Nana before but goodness was she miscast. Someone with such a modiefied face in that time? These duck lips were so distracting I couldn't get over it. I think she would be cast fine in ANYthing modern set in our times, but seriously not in a Joseon time drama, it's just ridiculous.

I know and love the 1988 movie with Michelle Pfeiffer and John Malkovich. It's a two-hour long movie and the pace and timing is perfect in there. There is tension, wit, fun, tragedy and wonderful language that underlines the plot. Nothing of this happened in this Korean version here. And making eight episodes of something that is perfectly told in two hours is just a mistake. And goodness, even the explicit scenes were boring and seemed like a strange evening at the theatre with some actors trying pantomime the whole time Oo

If you don't know it, watch the 1988 movie, (best in my opinion) or, also a rather good version, the 1999 movie with Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Philippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar. (movies are named 'Dangerous Liaisosons' (1988) 'Cruel Intentions' (1999)) Also a two- hour- movie with a great soundtrack on top and a more modern touch.
This here is a very long waste of time.

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Any WilliamEst series is a mutch watch! red flag x red flag? SIGN ME UP!!!

as a WilliamEst fans i have high expectations for the you maniac series and it did not disappoint one bit, it even EXCEEDED all my expectations. so far only 3 episode are released and each episode is like a new thing that leaves you wanting more. also, DeanMoth kisses every episode bro it’s crazy hot!!! i say this series is a must watch because it’s like something new and different from the other BL’s from gmmtv i’ve watched.

You Maniac is genuinely an extraordinary piece of storytelling. the narrative is compelling, the characters are remarkably nuanced and the emotional depth is simply unparalleled. the OST is equally exquisite, perfectly complementing the atmosphere and emotional weight of every scene. and the intro? absolutely non-skippable. every second of it. this is a story you genuinely cannot afford to overlook.

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Meh story, tepid romonce

This was just OK. It had actually a cool idea for a story, but so many plot holes. The idea of the girl that can see smells was unique, I thought. But she is paired with policemen that forgot to know how to do any policing? So if it rains they just stand there and do nothing instead of continuing their job? Korean police can’t be that useless are they?
The romance portion also was just very bland. At no point did I feel there was a romantic connection. This is one show where I actually was rooting for the bad guy to get away with it. And I love sappy happy endings. I have to admit, I’m not quite finished this yet, (episode 14/15), but it will have no lasting memory for me at all.

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A slow burn romance in a intense and realistic way on a professional environment

Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), a determined fresh graduate from a modest background, moves to Beijing and lands a job at a top-tier advertising agency. On her first day she bumps unto Luan Nian (Jing Boran) and right away urges her to resign, believing she won't survive the high-pressure environment. Refusing to step down, Our female lead stays to prove her worth under his strict mentorship.

"The story centers on their intense personal and professional dynamic, driven by opposing personalities."

I LOVED:

Personal Growth

Two deeply flawed individuals confronting their own insecurities, communication issues.
Our female character is really determined to achieve her goals and i LOVED that about her. Also rare to see a female character in a Chinese drama not being childish all the time, she can BE cute and badass.

Our male character shows a realistic and personal growth that is worth to watch.

Secret relationship: Boss and employee but in a way that is not cringy at all, you know? SLOW BURN ROMANCE 10/10

ACTING AND CHEMISTRY - TOP TIER. You can really see the chemistry between the actors and the vibe. Perfect. They are literally perfect. 10/10

OST!!! i loved every song of it, the melody and lyrics... Just beautiful. Also a 10/10

The Story is Realistic and not forced. 10/10

I totally recommend you to watch this is if you are looking for something new, fresh, mature and beautiful. As any other drama have it has its owns misurderstandings, scenes that make you cry your eyes out (like episode 20) but it is worth it. Every second of it. At least for me it was worth it.

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story that keeps you wanting more.

You Maniac isn’t a typical romance with perfectly written characters and an ideal relationship. Dean and Moth are flawed, and give emotions that aren’t always easy to understand.

What makes the story interesting is that it allows them to be imperfect instead of forcing them into the usual “green flag” mould. Their relationship develops through messy emotions, tension, and things that are still left unexplained.

William and Est’s chemistry also adds a lot to the story, making their emotional scenes feel more natural and convincing.

if you enjoy emotional tension, and stories that slowly reveal more of what’s underneath, You Maniac is worth giving a chance.

I’m definitely staying to see what else there is to uncover.

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