Reviews

Memorable movie...even if the plot never fully reach destination

I truly loved this movie centred around 2 ballroom male dancers, one (Sugiki) being specialized in "standard dances" and the other (Suzuki) specialized in "latin dances", as their rivalry relationship evolved as they work teach each other. It is very much a characters-centric film with the main focus being on Suzuki and then Sugiki. I loved to see the ennemies-friends-to-lovers bond that formed in a very organic way, even if the reason for them to work together is a bit forced.

I loved the production value, there are some memorable and impactful scenes, with the chemistry being excellent between the two main actors. Overall, the cast did a great job at emoting and at dancing and showing proper dance stances and figures. The two secondary female roles were ultra interesting and it is a bit of a shame they are not put in a more central position in the movie.

My main regret regarding this movie that I truly enjoyed is that the main characters never reach the destination of their journey. The movie never got to the 10Dance event and the other competitions felt a bit like a letdown. I also had the feeling to always watch the same kind of dances rather than the full variety of each of the style. It is understandable as the cast are not professional dancers and might not have been able to carry more challenging moves or to cope with a lot of variety in addition of showing properly emotional luggage of their characters. Still, I would not have minded a bit more of variety in the dances themselves.

I would recommend this to people looking for a ennemies-to-lovers BL with a dance twist. Despite the fact I found some elements odd or contrived for scenario purposes, the payoff was worth it for the journey that the characters are going through... Even if the destination (with the goal of the story set up from the beginning) is never really reached.

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Fun true love story, lighthearted warmhearted and uplifting

This is not one of those masterpiece movies, it is rather simple and lightweight, BUT it is also rather profound. Simple is beautiful :) The story is about true love - the dude does everything to help her, lets her go and lets her come to him on her own.

The plot is fun, the actions are righteous, and the resolutions lead to everyone growing up and changing for better... So, I say, this is one movie to watch.

The only problem with this movie is that the FL has done NOTHING for her character growth except to go away to fulfill her dreams and then come back to him. She is oblivious to everything that happened LOL
ML did all the work.... as usual in most kdramas :(
The second most of the emotional work and growing up was done by the "demon" LOL who luckily responded to all the work of the ML. FL's dad and sisters stayed consistently great.

As for technicalities:
Hm, FL lead got an acting award for her role here... "The 29th Chunsa International Film Festival was held on December 23. Lim Yoon A, who played the lead character Jung Seon Ji in the film Pretty Crazy, released this past August, received the Best Actress award for her movie role. "

I saw the FL aka this actress in question in King the Land and in Bon Apettit your Majesty and she acted THE SAME in both - exact same facial expressions and body language..... It was OK in Bon Apettit bc it fit the ML acting style and the two of them did some great comedy together. She has a talent for finding comedic moments.

But ... the point is, she acts the same every time.... And she acts that SAME as the Daytime FL in this movie too. The only difference is acting crazy at night. She did that part fine, but anyone can act that... acting crazy is easy.... and .. even some of those demon faces are repeats of her SAME "angry look" from all other dramas.
So ... why did she get the award... ? bc her dramas brought in a lot of money and had lots of viewers?

So that's why I gave 9.5 for acting. Bc FL is the same old repeated herself. I really dont see different characters when she acts.

The Dad - that famous actor - should get an award for his role, he is great...

ML in this movie is great and should get an award for acting too.

This is the first time ever I saw ML actor. I was pleasantly surprised.
ML is incredibly handsome! Esp since he doesnt look like a "plastic flower boy" but like a real person, he even has wrinkles from frowning, had real color in his face, clearly he was not indoors all the time, and he is a genuine healthy athlete, not just a couch potato lifting weights, and he has genuine black hair. So refreshing!

So many models taking up acting and being terrible at it.. like... ML in Would you Marry Me, etc etc etc. Many cannot even smile, or have artificial "gym" bodies, like ML in Dynamite Kiss... Many are so pale, it is clear they have not been outdoors forever, like... ML in The Real Has Come or ML in Spirit Fingers (at least they acted very well there, but a pale bloated face is just .. not a healthy sight.)

After writing this, I read the bio of ML actor and found that I was correct, he is a gold medal boxer. Ok, I got that! I am an athlete myself so I could tell he is an athlete and moves correctly from the core. All right, score in investigation, inspector megre!
But I know nothing about plastic surgeries.... so... am I correct that this is not (at least not big) plastic job? Maybe I can only detect only huge distorted plastic looks, like... Cher, mom of FL in Graceful Liar, etc.

In any case, ML is one handsome guy who looks like a real guy to me and is a real athlete, and also acts well. Wow refreshing!

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Engaging and emotionally satisfying journey, especially for weekly viewers. The storyline is appealing, though it does feel a little draggy in parts. The drama’s symmetry—starting and ending with two kisses at the same place—adds a poetic and fulfilling sense of closure. The second lead was strong and memorable, but the second-lead arc could have been developed more. The sister’s storyline felt weak, and the mother’s unexpected comeback raised unanswered questions about whether she was truly ill. Despite these flaws, the end credits were very impressive and unique, making it a good overall weekly watch.

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If you like this drama, consider reading Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

This is a wonderful drama rich in introspection and life philosophy. It has a comforting and healing quality without resolving all of the questions that it poses.

It is a great example how Korean dramas address issues of self-worth, self-image, and loneliness with a quiet depth that resonates. In doing so, it contributes to a language of compassion conveyed with honesty and restraint that I have come to love in Korean cultural works.

This drama is also a great example of the dramas that portray meaningful relationships outside the one romantic relationship (e.g., like Navillera). It also has lovely depictions of Korean family life that feel warm.

I appreciated that miscommunication (or the absence of communication) is not the primary driver of conflict and resolution in this drama. Even though the characters often fail to speak honestly to one another, they each have someone else with whom they are able to open up.

While the drama has some typical tropes of Korean dramas that can be unfamiliar (e.g., material wealth as status and the role of shame), they are not overstated (e.g., not too much fairytale).

As someone noted before, this drama is very well balanced between emotional, action, comedy and thriller elements. Compared to others, I enjoyed the music (although not all of the themes).

If you liked this drama and its themes, consider reading Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.

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A thriller that treats the teleporter like a detective too.

Generally, new-generation thrillers spoon-feed you everything, but The Truth Within is different. It treats you like you're part of the team, giving you the pieces to put together, making it so immersive. Everything is so well-written and mysterious. I like series like this, where I'm treated as someone who also wants to unravel the mysteries. The plot involving Qi Sizhe and Han Feng intrigues me so much; I want to know more about them, I want to know the reasons why their relationship is so bad, so bitter, so distrustful. I really like the cast; they're all great actors, and the villains are top-notch. Watch The Truth Within if you like series like Criminal Minds and CSI.

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This drama drove me crazy. The first 30-40 episodes were PERFECT. I've never seen such a good first episode, I cried countless times watching it, but after she marries ML, the episodes only goes downhill.
First, their relationship is very boring. FL clearly doesn't love him with the same intensity that he loves her (which I loved, I find it quite realistic and it adds to the dynamic), but he can't accept that; many episodes are him making a scene so she'll love him. And when he's not being annoying and dramatic for attention, their scenes are bland. In the last few episodes, I skipped all their interactions; it was unbearable.
And worse, not only is their relationship bad, but it makes the protagonist worse. She becomes dependent on him in a way that makes her seem stupid. Family problems? ML comes and saves the day. Argument? ML goes there to solve it. Problems managing the household? ML again. I like protagonists who are strong but realistic, and FL is exactly like that. She's a strong person, but sensible, and limited by her own circumstances. When she started taking the reins of the Shang household after the wedding, I liked it; I thought it would be a character development, going from an illicit daughter who accepts everything to a slightly tyrannical person who gets what she wants no matter what. But no, she remains in a submissive situation where she tries and doesn't try at the same time to assert herself.

That being said, I loved the characters' performances. Especially the great-grandmother, Lady Shang, and the protagonist's deceased mother.

They all manage to sell the character, especially the legitimate wife; her character development is perfect (until the end where everything starts to fall apart), where she doesn't hate FL, but she loves her own children more than anything, she resents her husband for having a mistress but still loves him... she's a complex character and, for me, the best in the drama.

That being said, from episode 1-30/45 more or less, the rating is ten stars. From there on, 3-4 stars.

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Awful script, awful leads

Things I hated

1 Everything.

2 The FL. What a horrible actress who thinks is beautiful and talented. If she is I didn't see it in this series. She was a toxic character and she dressed awfully, she looked old, she behaved like a ten year old and she was entitled to the point I wanted to smack her and I never used physical violence in my life.

3 The ML. No talent, no looks, too old and an awful character. Actually even though there was no chemistry between the leads i felt like they should be together. This way no one else in the world would suffer.

4 The last episode. How on earth is their relationship supposed to be healthy? And let's forget healthy, but at least it should make some sense. This was the most stupid ending I've ever seen in a romantic story. Are we supposed to find their constant fighting cute or romantic? Let me tell you it wasn't either. I'm a lover of cute fights and unreasonable female leads. This one was such a toxic shrew. AS for him a blithering idiot to put up with her.

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Amnesia, Fake Marriage, and Real Feelings

Are You the One genuinely surprised me and kept me completely hooked till the very end. What starts as a familiar amnesia trope slowly evolves into a layered, emotionally intelligent historical romance filled with humor, pining, and meaningful character growth.

The male lead (Zhang Wanyi) was entirely new to me, and he absolutely delivered. His portrayal of a morally grey general pretending to be a devoted husband was nuanced, expressive, and often hilarious. His ability to shift between cold restraint, awkward domesticity, and deep emotional guilt made his character incredibly compelling.

I had previously seen Wang Churan in Fireworks of My Heart and didn’t like her character there, so I went in with low expectations. Thankfully, she completely changed my opinion here. Her FL is calm, emotionally intelligent, observant, and quietly strong. Even with memory loss, she never feels helpless or foolish.

The chemistry between the leads is excellent — subtle, mature, and full of longing. Their relationship develops naturally through humor, trust, and mutual understanding rather than forced misunderstandings.

One thing I really appreciated was the supporting cast. I genuinely liked the FL’s family, the warm married neighbor couple, the ML’s loyal guard, and the people around them. These characters weren’t just fillers — they added heart, humor, and a lived-in feeling to the story, making the world feel more real and comforting.

The drama balances humor, romance, and emotional depth very well. The absurdity of the ML pretending to be her husband creates many genuinely funny moments, while the story still explores themes of trust, trauma, guilt, and redemption. The pacing is slow but intentional and suits the psychological nature of the story.

Visually, the drama is pleasing with elegant cinematography, warm color palettes, and a beautiful OST. Some editing felt slightly rough due to episode cuts, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

What I Loved

✔ Strong, layered male lead
✔ Calm, emotionally intelligent female lead
✔ Excellent chemistry and slow-burn romance
✔ Genuinely funny moments
✔ Likeable side characters (FL’s family, neighbors, ML’s guard)
✔ Meaningful character growth
✔ Kept me hooked till the end

What I Didn’t Love

✘ FL’s gang-leader side could’ve been explored more
✘ Minor pacing/editing issues

Who Should Watch

Fans of slow-burn historical romance
Viewers who enjoy character-driven storytelling
Those who like amnesia tropes done thoughtfully
Anyone looking for a mix of humor and emotional depth

Who Should Avoid

Viewers who prefer fast-paced action-heavy plots
Those who dislike slow psychological development

Overall, Are You the One earns a 9.5/10 from me for pure entertainment. It made me laugh, emotionally invested me, and delivered a satisfying journey from start to finish.

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Love Triangle Between Two People

Fall in Love With a Disorder stands out mainly because of its unusual premise. While the execution isn’t always perfect, the idea itself is intriguing enough to make this drama worth checking out — especially if you enjoy lighter romance with a twist.

The story revolves around Fu Ze Yi, the young and capable heir of Fu’s Anju Group, who developed an alternate personality as a result of past trauma. Fu Ze Yi is cold, reserved, and emotionally distant, while his alter ego, “Lin,” is gentle, artistic, emotionally expressive, and plays the piano. The contrast between these two sides is clear and intentional, and it forms the core of the drama.

Jing Zhi Xia, played by Joey Chua, is easily the standout here. As the director of Aizhe Hotel, she’s warm, lively, and very likeable. Joey Chua brings charm and personality to her role, and honestly, she often outshines the male lead, making her character the emotional anchor of the story. Her chemistry with Lin feels natural and heartfelt, while her dynamic with Fu Ze Yi is more restrained and complicated — which fits the narrative.

Xiao Kai Zhong does a solid job portraying two very different personalities within one character. While Fu Ze Yi can feel intentionally bland and stiff at times, Lin is much more expressive and emotionally engaging. The duality is clear, and although Fu Ze Yi takes some time to grow on you, the performance improves as the story progresses.

What makes this drama interesting is its “love triangle between two people.” Jing Zhi Xia finds herself emotionally entangled with two sides of the same man, each offering something different. It’s a clever concept that isn’t commonly explored, and when the drama leans into this idea, it truly shines.

That said, the storytelling itself is uneven. While the drama touches on deeper themes such as trauma, guilt, and mental health, these elements are mostly glossed over until the later episodes. For much of the series, the plot relies heavily on overused rom-com tropes — accidental kisses, dramatic falls, and convenient coincidences — which can feel outdated and cheesy. These moments often weaken what could have been a more emotionally layered story.

Despite this, the drama improves as it goes on. The latter part is more focused, emotionally engaging, and rewarding. The buildup pays off, and the ending is satisfying, making the journey feel worthwhile — especially if you’re patient with its slower and trope-heavy middle.

Overall, Fall in Love With a Disorder is a light, short romantic drama with a unique concept and likeable characters. It’s not groundbreaking, and it doesn’t fully explore its darker themes, but it’s enjoyable for what it is. Best watched as something easy and comforting between heavier, more intense dramas.

If you’re drawn to unconventional romance setups and don’t mind clichés, this one is definitely worth a chance.

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Uncomfortable, borderline creepy

Why I dropped this series

1 The FL was awful here and she didn't know how to act as a young woman so she made me me cringe a million times and I felt uncomfortable since she reminded me of a 12 years old. I also hated her voice to the point I wanted to mute her. This coming from someone who adores her in other series, rom coms and historical dramas. So weird that she made me feel this way here.

2 The ML. If that's what people find attractive these days, well, I have nothing to say. He wasn't attractive to me and not talented either. I didn't care about his character either.

3 No chemistry between the leads which is maybe a good thing since their relationship was creepy to me.

4 The message the series vehicles. Young women are stupid and it's fine. NO IT'S NOT.

5 Tried too hard to make us believe there was a story somewhere and characters with something to say. Guess what? Not if you're an adult.

6 I can't believe the same director who did Love is Sweet one of my favorite series did this crappy drama. On the other hand not everyone has the charm of Bai Lu and the ML is Love is Sweet. Funnily enough I hated this couple as much as i hated the 2nd couple in Love is Sweet. Same uncomfortable vibes.

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I expected a bit more

First of all, I was a huge fan of the first season, it left a great impression and a fond memory to me. For that reason I was excited about the sequel but, as often happens with sequels, this one didn't quite live up to the expectation.
I'll be brief:
- Overall it's an enjoyable season, one finds the characters as we left them, and it's nice to see their growth. I was personally impatient to see their life as a couple, now that they both were in the industry, plus all the challenges of the job itself.
- The mood remained the same, and that's one thing I love most about it. That part at least kept me going.
- The characters, I'm sad to say, didn't really (humanly) grow, to my point of view. Hayama had a little change, that looked big for the character but wasn't "visible" enough to me. He stayed pretty much the same in my eyes and wasn't very "active" in pretty much anything, especially in the relationship with Shirasaki. The dialogues were probably an issue, lacking in confrontation and literally more words. I still feel like I know nothing about him, just his face and quiet bearing.
Shirasaki, instead, was a bit unbearable to watch this time around. He felt insufferable to me and way too childish. He just didn't go through any development in my eyes, I was even disappointed several times, like in episode 9, due to his total absence for his partner. I expected him to mature but, even at the end, I didn't see him that way. He still relies on Hayama a lot and doesn't feel like a dependable person at all. Even very self centered.
- The actors were phenomenal, and that's what I admire about this series: every actor did an amazing job, like I said in my previous review, acting within acting is crazy work. The whole part about the play was chef's kiss. THAT got me hooked.

It's just a bit sad to me that this season felt bland, like nothing much happened, even the conflicts didn't really get to a point. I was always expecting more and more but nothing came back. It felt static. Very introspective but still limited. There really was the potential for more exploring, more daring.
Overall it's a pleasant and calm series, so I still recommend it.

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