Reviews

Spoiler!!

Just from the synopsis, it’s clear that this isn’t an ordinary drama. It’s fiction, and it doesn’t try to hide that.
People often say this drama is good, but it actually took me quite a long time to finally decide to watch it. There were a few reasons for that.

1. this is a dorama. Some people may not be used to the style and characteristics of Japanese dramas.
2. the romance here isn’t intense or overly dramatic. For some viewers it might feel slow or even boring, but in reality it’s quite touching and even exciting in its own quiet way—especially in episodes 1–6. People who prefer the more passionate style of Western romance might find it difficult to get into this kind of story.
3. the actors. Idk how popular they are in their own country, but some viewers might not find the cast particularly eye-catching. (I can assure you I’m not one of those people 🫰🌷.)

And again, this is a dorama. Some viewers may not be used to the acting style, gestures, or dialect typical of Japanese dramas. As we know, Han Hyo-joo acts very much like a Japanese character here—her speech and gestures feel similar to those of actresses in Japanese dramas.

In reality, the story itself is very simple, isn’t it? Two people who find each other and slowly complete each other’s lives. On the other hand, it’s also about the process of making chocolate—the same kind of chocolate I usually eat when I’m having a bad day. There aren’t any heavy conflicts or shocking plot twists. Unless the writer or director suddenly decides to go crazy, the ending is pretty predictable: they will end up together and live happily.

When I watched episode 2, there was a moment when they tried to hug each other in a very awkward way. The male lead was so curious about his feelings that he moved impulsively and rushed into the moment, only to become extremely nervous afterward as he tried to analyze what he was feeling. Meanwhile, the female lead was also surprised and nervous, but she realized that the hug didn’t feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, even though he was technically still a stranger. That moment really touched me, and it was when I started to truly like this drama.

As for the FL, I immediately suspected that she was a Korean actress the first time I saw her—and after checking, it turned out I was right. Since this is a dorama and her character is a Korean woman living in Japan, I think the styling suits her very well. Her hair and makeup resemble those of a Japanese girl, but her face still has that distinct Korean beauty.
At first, I actually found her acting a little funny because she was acting like a typical dorama heroine—you know what I mean. It’s different from the acting style in Korean dramas. But after a while, I started to like it. In fact, it means she adapted well to the role.
As for her Japanese pronunciation, I’m not really knowledgeable enough to judge that, so I won’t comment on it.

The setting is also beautiful. The drama shows a calm and peaceful atmosphere of Japan: delicious-looking chocolate, fresh ingredients, and very aesthetically pleasing set colors. Everything fits perfectly with the tone of the story—a gentle love story that feels sweet, comforting, and healing.
Honestly, the cinematography even reminded me a little of the Korean drama Can Love Be Translated?, but this one has a softer, more delicate Japanese style.

As I mentioned earlier, the story is warm and simple—at least until episode 7.
This is where the conflict starts to appear, and I think this is where the story becomes slightly less convincing. The female lead makes several mistakes and awkward decisions, but the characters around her seem to forgive her very quickly, and the resolution happens almost immediately. For example, when her secret is revealed, people accept it surprisingly fast and even support her. The acting in these moments also feels a bit awkward and distant. Sometimes there are pauses where the supporting characters simply smile without saying much. The conflict and its resolution only last about two episodes.
However, after thinking about it, I realized this might not be a big problem. From the beginning, the drama clearly presents itself as a fictional and idealized story. So overall, it still works.
As for the ending… I don’t want to overanalyze it. Personally, I see that part as a bit of nonsense because I couldn’t find any connection between that scene and the main plot of the story.

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Second Life aka Son of a Punch was one of those odd amalgams of slapstick, melodrama, and violence. I can usually handle two out of the three, but struggled with the film when it tried to strike at the heart strings with all the finesse of a ham-fisted thug. It was good to see septuagenarian Yuen Qiu star as the baddest of badasses to ever go up against the triad in “Chinatown in Unknown Country.”

A pregnant Lao Liang ended up serving 30 years in prison for killing her husband’s killer when he came to the funeral to mock the deceased. Her son was sent to an orphanage and Liang lost all contact with him. Upon her release, her only goal was to find him. Before Liang's release, criminal Gui was moving up in the same triad responsible for Liang’s troubles. When Gui was ambushed and blinded, it gave the criminal element a way into Liang’s house and past her more than formidable defenses by disguising him as her long-lost son.

Age is a funny thing in films. First, we have to accept that Liang was in her mid-40s when she became pregnant and went to prison as the actress was 74 at the time the film was made. Secondly, Gui may have lost his sight but Liang hadn’t and Phillip Ng looked every bit like a nearly 50-year-old man and not 30. I’m pretty good at aging and de-aging characters but the filmmakers were pushing the limits of my abilities with this casting.

Gui was a lethal killer rubbing his hands together with glee at the thought of Liang's demise and before you could say mommy-son day out, he was her defender and then he wasn’t and then he was. The addition of a melodramatic plot twist weighted an already heavy movie down, despite the comedy imbedded in the bloody fights. It was too serious of an issue to be given short shrift at the end, cheapening the whole plot element. And how did Gui not have any problems with losing his sight? How did he recover from his injuries, learn how to deal with his loss of sight and learn Braille all in one month? Light body abilities in a kung fu film? No problem. A 75-year-old woman kicking butt and taking names in a kung fu flick? No problem. But bring in real world concerns like Liang’s illness or Gui’s injury…there’s a problem. Perhaps people in Unknown Country have magical abilities.

I enjoyed Yuen Qiu’s performance and have a soft spot for her. The fights were all of the high flying, powerful qi, superhero style. I couldn’t help but cheer for her as she stalked her hunters. The relationship between her and Gui just felt forced to me and I would really have liked for that aspect to have been explored better. She’s a mother who suffered bitterly for a moment’s action and knows her child did as well. Now that she was free, fate smacked her down again. But when you have to make sure and get the comedy quota in, those moments must be sacrificed for the laugh or the body count. Whichever comes first. Second Life had some really nice moments and could have been so much more.

11 March 2026

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How can the phrase ‘You are mine, I am yours’ sound toxic?

Well, I have already read book 3, so I know what’s going to happen in this season and the last one, if they follow the original story. After watching this kind of drama, I feel like they really captured the main idea of the novel’s author and brought that vision into the series.

So, as toxic as we see in this drama, I’m not disappointed; they simply portrayed it in a live-action adaptation.

When it comes to the relationships, especially with Jay, I think she deserved a better partner. Even though it’s known that the male lead is her endgame, I think the second male lead probably has the most normal relationship with her, at least from what we can see.

I have to confess that while watching this series, I asked myself many times why I kept watching it. Why these kinds of chaotic and very unrealistic situations? Everything feels so plain and confusing. Why this combination? - At one point, I thought: "I just have to finish it quickly".

That’s just me, but I really hope they change the ending for Jay in the live-action version if they make a season 3.

If you haven’t watched this series yet, I recommend it if you want to understand what a toxic relationship can look like. At the same time, it reminds us to love ourselves more and not depend emotionally on anyone, unlike the protagonist, Jay.

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i get why people didn't like this, the 1st half was ok (plot wise) but after the mains "interview" it went down hill pretty fast & sorry, but the actor playing Jae Yeon can't act to save his life & what made it worse, was his mumbling his lines - like WTF?!? & whose great idea was it to style his hair like those dogs with hair over their eyes - this a new look??? so wondered, is he connected? cause everyone else did the heavy lifting, while he thought acting cute was acting? & i don't know him (haven't seen the dating reality he was in, that i know off cause i checked out his BIO) so have nothing against him - just feel like if someone else was cast in his place, this would've been better.

even though saying that, the writing took a weird turn towards the end - it was rushed & illogical (the whole stalker thing - what he just punch Geon U, not stab him?!? what the hell was the point of that plot line??) same with the attraction, cause from where i am sitting Jae Yeon had chemistry with both brother's, so why he follow through & want Jae Yeon's kiss, but not Taewoo's? cause they grew-up together?? meeh - not even gonna mention the whole scene with the father - what was that??

so the only plus is this short, so didn't waste too much time on this & other then Jae Yeon (sorry not sorry) i think everyone has potential & i hope to see them in other projects. pointless to say this a 1 off & a never again.

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two smiles can trap your soul

Romantic, spontaneous, comfortable. That’s how I’d describe the relationship between DoHoe and JuYeong. A pure feeling, slowly blossomed from smiles and silent support. Their story is sure deep and challenging, the themes are heavy, their emotions leap off the screen. I was firstly hesitant to start this series. I have been hearing about it for some time and people were excitedly sad toward it. The bar was high and I was a bit scared to feel disappointed. Also, I’m particularly sensitive and emphatical over this kind of plots. Basically, I cry a lot. I decided to watch the first episode and, after about two weeks, I saw the second and finished the whole show.
What catches me is how genuine and pure and kind this love is. The neatness makes me cry. I want this. This kind of tenderness is what I’m searching for myself. Everything feels calm and right from the beginning; there is a clear path. Their expressions, their body language have a precise direction. All the things that surround them disappear: that’s how it should be. Their life is not good but, when they are together, all the problems become dust in the wind. Simultaneously, they fight for their mutual happiness. The contrast between external and internal sensations is crystal clear: cold and warm, peace and war.

Stunning, marvellous: the plot is moving and I mean it. It shakes something in me.

The writing is amazing and charming. The conversations are true, properly deep and heavy (for example the discussions about why they separated), but also light and bright (for example them chatting while going home). The dialogues are mature and perfectly portraits the gradual evolution of the main relationship. Few more words about the 'main issue' would have been nice though. I understand what happens but still. The visuals and the cinematography are pretty fabulous as well. In particular, I love the colours and the photography. Furthermore, in my opinion, the direction is another expression of the main contrast of this project: there are lively, animated scenes (for example the taekwondo ones) that represent the chaos, the excitement, and static shoots (for example some of the ones at home) that stan for the harmony and quietness the main characters taste while being together. Even I feel at ease watching and hearing them interact. The show should be sad but it’s so well done that you forget about crying.

Not only the actors are handsome and look so good together, but the characters are both wonderfully recorded and portraited. The acting performances live up perfectly to the writing and the story.

In particular, the taekwondo scenes are amazing. Both Kim Nu Rim (DoHoe) and Lee Sun (JuYeong) do so well. I even thought there were two stuntmen, but I believe it’s not the case since I didn’t find any names in the cast. Moreover, the looks, the glances, the eyes, the kisses, the touching. Natural, authentic, everything is felt for real. And their smiles…they completely trap you. It’s difficult to explain. You just feel. A lot. There is only one take, someone is crying and it doesn’t seem that spontaneous (no spoilers). But just this one thing.
Finally, the music adds a further delicate touch to the series. It seems to match the atmosphere and to represent both the comfort and the sadness. Like a tender melody that makes you cry, it amplifies the emotions the characters pass down. You know that moment you feel down and decide to listen to sad songs? It’s the same.

An important personal consideration: the sensations I felt through this show are the same ones I had watching ‘Banana Fish’. I don’t know if you are familiar with the anime/manga. The themes are heavy, nevertheless everything is so well done that it’s impossible not to like it. So, without further ado, I highly recommend you to watch this series.


Thank you for reading <3

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Conquering Cities and Hearts

A fun romp that didn't take itself seriously, a love triangle done right, some truly funny moments (especially male jealousy), and a charismatic cast made for a pleasant experience.

The Good
• The romance between the leads felt natural, and their interactions were charming. I got the feeling the actors enjoyed making this drama. It may have been due to their acting skills, but when actors convey that enjoyment to their audience, everyone has a good time.
• The comedic timing was delectable, and I say that as someone who generally doesn't enjoy over-the-top slapstick.
• The FL played the role of a man better than most actresses.
• I so appreciated the FL was intelligent and not easily deceived. The IQ of most of the leads was appreciably higher than in most comedies.

The Bad
• There is a bit too much bathroom humor, but I've dealt with plenty of children, so I'm probably jaded in that area.
• Logic wasn't the point, so little was explained and not everything made sense. Cut to a kissing scene and the viewer won't notice.

Extra half star for the inventive way each episode was introduced. I appreciate originality.

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DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME ?

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME 🥱

The drama had everything to be great. I devoured the first 4 episodes, but what happened from there???? Did they change the protagonist and forget to warn the audience? I didn’t feel her connection with the protagonist, much less with the child.

On the contrary, she left me frustrated by such a bad aunt. They lost the team to build a family relationship between the 3. And they made a character a sonsa, who only runs after the “first love” 🙄

I can’t wait to finish this drama. For me he was terrible, I don’t recommend it! A shame.

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Strong leads in a writing mess

Overall I would call this a mediocre drama -- nothing terrible, nothing great.

THE GOOD
- The leads
- The setting is magical
...
- The soundtrck is pretty strong
- Some plot / side characters are cute and fun

THE BAD
- Way too much angst
- Many plotlines will repeat over and over
- Villains are flat, uninteresting, and cartoonish
- Heavy handed filial piety propaganda
- Side characters (all characters other than the leads tbh) are often overacted and have their characterization so over emphasized that they become insufferable. Especially the 2nd and 3rd male leads
- Brain off writing. Don't expect plots or character motivations to be believable or even consistent.

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WATCH !!!!!

This drama was perfect! Charismatic and engaging characters. I got excited in many moments 🥹🦋🩵🩷🌙
☀️
The first episode is intriguing and makes you want to go to the second and then to the next, when you see it you already want the other episodes for yesterday. I simply devoured it and was looking forward to the next ones. I hope to meet this couple again in a future project. Mumu and zhaozhao have all my heart 🥰
I already expected the master to be the villain. And I’m happy to see that my theory was right. I liked Linghbo’s redemption, she finally realized who really liked her and went after her goals. I already consider mumu’s two faithful disciples as his best friends hahahahha

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Messed up with randoms!!!

The uncanny counter is one of the best concepts in kdramas that I have watched and since I have watched season one I was really excited for season 2 but I was left with nothing but disappointment. Honestly I didn’t even know if I was watching the right show or not!!!
1. They changed the chemistry between hana and so mun, so as you start season one you can see and even feel the tension So mun had for Hana and altogether it felt like a different aura as like couples or high school sweethearts even so when so mun introduced her to his parents and his grandparents to Hana as his girlfriend but all of a sudden instead of character development in chemistry they ruined it all by giving them a sister and brother tension and giving Hana a useless love triangle and ruining the chemistry by adding her real high school crush like why was that needed? He did absolutely nothing to the story improvement whatsoever and it just ruined the relationship between Hana and so mun. Then the farm boy counter was so USELESS also why make him also interested in Hana? Like how is this helping??? My point is if you want to start a ship and a relationship between two characters then you should keep it as it is like why just change it and give the viewers and awkward atmosphere? I HATED the scenes with her and her high school crush so I skipped so many scenes which were actually waste of time .
2. I don’t feel the old chemistry between the characters, im so sorry but I felt like so mun was doing everything and the others were just there going along with it and yes I get so mun is the main character but in season one he was also the main but it still felt more powerful.
3. Comedy was so forced im so sorry!

But to the directors, please please if you make a dynamic between 2 characters dont ruin it for useless reasons or other characters. Im sure most people wanted season two to see the improvement and more chemistry between Hana and so mun but was left with nothing but disappointment. Im not sure if there will be a season three but if there is please don’t waste wonderful potentials on such stupid backstories or background characters.

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A Promising Premise That Went Nowhere

Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. The concept sounded so promising, but something was off from the start. I couldn't connect with the characters or feel invested in their journeys. I pushed through to episode 5 hoping it would click, but it never did. Great idea, poor execution—a missed opportunity.

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Mulheres lutando por mulheres

No final de tudo, todas as personagens perderam algo para continuarem sobrevivendo e, enfim, isso é viver com honra: continuar lutando.

Um kdrama incrível, realista, verossímil, cheio de camadas e completamente respeitoso com a temática sensível. Atuações de tirar o fôlego e situações tão reais e atuais que, sendo mulher, é impossível não sentir o coração quebrar por cada vítima.

Mais do que ver os vipps e o ceo pagando por tudo, eu quero uma segunda temporada para acompanhar a reconstrução da relação de mãe e filha da Ra Young e Min Seo.

Mulheres lutando por mulheres e o gosto amargo de saber q vencer na causa das mulheres significa arrancar apenas uma das cabeças do dragão

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