Reviews

Marching to the beat of your own drummer

Having recently completed the series with Matsumoto Jun being a quiet gentle doctor, it was a surprise to see him as a smartass lawyer who unapologetically gets under the skin of everyone around him. His quirky nature makes him liked and resented in equal measure. I see his ear habit as tuning in his spidey sensor to that 0.1% of truth hidden under all the noise. His love for food and appreciation for perfect seasonings exceeds his love and appreciation for his fellow man. Quirks aside, he has one mission as a lawyer, to find the truth whether or not it benefits his client. For him, there is only one truth for the scenario and he uses every possible means available to him to find out what it is, so that it is incontestable in a court of law and meets his standard of being a lawyer. This series finds him working with a group of very reluctant lawyers except for his personal sidekick trying to finally pass the law exam. An episode at a time, they change their outlooks and habits in questioning clients and investigating for the entire picture rather than the piece that most promotes their client’s interest. I found this an enjoyable watch and liked how they worked together to solve the cases and find true justice for their clients. As the story progresses they start taking pride in their work and see the impact it has on people. The cast does an excellent job of being a group of unique lawyers figuring out how to complement their individual strengths to complete the case successfully and forge understanding between themselves. It is worth the watch if this genre appeals to you

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Hooked from the First Splash

What an enchanting and memorable series from start to finish. From the very first scene, hot, shirtless men walking into the ocean, the show establishes a unique tone that blends fantasy, beauty, and undeniable BL charm. This was my very first Mermaid themed BL and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. The concept feels refreshing and the execution brings it to life in the most captivating way.

The series maintains a lighthearted, easy to follow atmosphere while being visually gorgeous throughout. The mermaid CGI is surprisingly well done, and the tails are crafted with so much care that the underwater world feels genuinely magical. Every swimming and surfacing moment looks like a piece of art, adding an extra layer of wonder that makes the story even more engaging.

The main couple truly carried the show. Phu is irresistibly charming with the sweetest smile, and Nawa has a captivating presence that balances perfectly with him. Their chemistry is instant, playful, fun and full of sparks from the moment they meet. Watching their relationship grow felt natural and consistently enjoyable.

What I Loved:
• The OST is beautiful and instantly memorable
• Nawa and Phu’s dynamic, the way Phu stays consistent and never gives up on pursuing Nawa, is heart fluttering. Their kiss scenes and NC scenes are hot, well executed, and full of emotion
• The side couple, Phana and Ping, added depth to the series. Ping’s storyline with his mother was heartbreaking and brought me to tears

The ending was great, though I would have loved an even more complete or extended conclusion for the couples. Still, the overall experience was wonderful. Lover Merman is unique, emotional, visually stunning, and absolutely rewatch worthy.

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I just finished watching Bon Appétite Your Majesty starring Lee Chaemin and Im YoonA, and it turned out to be such a warm, comforting, and satisfying drama. The story beautifully blends romance, comedy, and food in a way that not only entertains but also heals, with every meal becoming a symbol of connection, love, and growth between the characters.

Lee Chaemin may be a rookie, but he delivered a sincere and heartfelt performance, bringing boyish charm and vulnerability that made his character so relatable, while Im YoonA shined as always with her elegance, versatility, and emotional depth. Their chemistry was natural and heart-fluttering, slowly growing in a way that felt genuine rather than forced. The cinematography and OST elevated the story even more, with the food scenes shot so beautifully that they almost felt poetic.

Finally, I got my revenge — when Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo didn’t give me the happy ending I desperately wanted, Bon Appétite Your Majesty gave it to me in the sweetest and most healing way possible. It left me smiling, tearing up at times, and ultimately feeling comforted, just like finishing a delicious home-cooked meal made with love.

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What the f***

They should've ended at season 2. I was just so done by ep 3 and had to push myself to continue.
This season 3 makes no sense. Plot didn't tie with the last two seasons at all. Games so boring. The zombie card game, the kick the can game, and their climbing tower bingo game were so lame.
The way how they got back into the game didn't make sense at all. Usagi's reason for going back into the game was dumb...like what the fuck! Your dad is dead...what the hack made you think going back into the game got anything to do with your dad?
Also, I thought she gotten over her dad's death towards the end of season 2.
Ryuji, guy in the wheelchair, he's character was so boring. Dude seemed like a crazy person so obsessed with death. He seemed to be obsessed with usagi too. Romantically? I don't know. Dude's crazy. He's character make no sense. Usagi was annoying. Last season she was such a bad ass. I couldn't believe she was protecting that usagi guy. The dude basically drugged you and brought you into the game.
All the new characters, none of them were really special. .....Arisu, still, was the only best character!
Just so cringe how they used the baby as a player for the last game. Like, did the director of squid game and alice in borderland talked together? Lol!!!!
The ending makes no sense at all and too much added onto the ending.

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Finally Watching Naruto: Understanding the Global Phenomenon

I can confidently say this is one of the best anime I've ever seen. Despite being a first-time viewer, I was immediately drawn into the series. Naruto is undoubtedly my favorite character; I admire his consistent ability to forge new friendships and the unique strength he shows by converting antagonists into genuinely good people. His dynamic with Jiraiya-sensei was a highlight, and I cherished every moment of their shared journey. The anime delivers a powerful, memorable message—a call to "never give up"—that resonates long after the credits roll. I finally understand the worldwide phenomenon this show became.

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Love’s Ambition: The Echo of What Remains

Finishing Love’s Ambition leaves behind a feeling that goes beyond narrative. This work carries a blend of tenderness, emotion, and unease that invites reflection on the nature of ambition, love, and the fragile balance of human ideals. Its rhythm oscillates between serenity and storm, and in that ebb and flow, it leaves the impression of having witnessed more than a drama — perhaps a quiet mirror of the passions and contradictions that define us.

The production stands as one of the drama’s strongest pillars. Its refined aesthetics, the precision of its direction, and the atmosphere that intertwines the epic with the intimate create a cinematic sensitivity that captivates. There is a clear sense of commitment from a creative team that strives not only to entertain but to communicate emotional truth. Yet, in certain moments, one feels an excess of restraint — as if the work feared allowing emotion to spill beyond its elegant frame. Still, that very containment lends it a melancholic grace, and paradoxically, makes it feel more human.

At the heart of it all is Zhao Lusi, whose performance reflects an ever-deepening artistic maturity. She retains that rare ability to connect through quiet expression — to turn vulnerability into strength. Here, she appears more introspective, more assured than in the early episodes, delivering a truth that transcends words. Her presence embodies the balance between complete artistic devotion and the longing to remain whole. It’s impossible not to wish that her light, so vivid, always finds harmony with her personal well-being.

William Chan complements her beautifully with a poised, grounded performance. His connection to his role — and to his co-star — feels natural, even seamless, forming a chemistry that sustains the story through its more subdued beats. Together, they bring to life a tale of trust, loss, and quiet redemption, steering clear of empty melodrama.

Among the dialogue, a line lingers like a whisper of truth:

“The truths we deny are the ones that later return, asking for tenderness.”
And another, almost casually spoken, yet heavy with meaning:
“A life built upon lies is as fleeting as a castle before the tide.”
Both reveal the heart of the script — its awareness that beauty and deception often share the same stage.

The narrative unfolds like the sea itself: turbulence followed by calm, loss followed by reconciliation. And while the ending offers closure, it leaves behind a trace of incompleteness. The secondary characters deserved more space to breathe; there was a world of emotion merely brushed against. That haste, though subtle, lingers like a half-finished melody.

Even so, Love’s Ambition enchants with its grace, its quiet introspection, and its sincere homage to Chinese culture — not as ornament, but as essence. It stands beside other recent productions that celebrate cultural identity, though here it feels more introspective, less patriotic and more profoundly human.

Beyond the screen, one can only feel gratitude toward everyone who made this creation possible: actors, directors, writers, technicians, and the countless invisible hands behind the scenes. May their effort translate not only into recognition but also into personal fulfillment and peace. Because a work of art is not measured solely in its numbers or acclaim, but in the quiet impact it leaves upon those who make it — and those who receive it.

Love’s Ambition may not be flawless, but it beats with sincerity. Its greatest virtue lies in reminding us that even within artifice, art remains a sanctuary for what is most real within us — the simple, unyielding capacity to feel truthfully.

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Your 2025 comfort drama

In an industry where the number of Thai BL's keep growing but the quality often feels like it’s slipping, this year still managed to bring us a few real gems—and My Magic Prophecy is definitely one of them.

The story follows In, a tarot reader with the ability to glimpse into the future, and Thap, an ICU doctor who doesn’t believe in tarot readings at all, on a journey of constant bickering, healing, love, and even escaping death.

Thap stands out as the ultimate green flag, while In learns to open his heart to love and family again after the trauma of losing his parents. The story is wholesome, and the chemistry between Jimmy and Sea is nothing short of incredible.

If you haven’t seen it yet, this is definitely one of the must-watch Thai BLs of 2025.

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Not bad but not good; OK

I liked and enjoyed the story until the last two episodes. The last episode, especially, made me feel like I was watching a comedy skit or something; everything and anything was happening without making any sense.
I think they rushed the last two episodes; otherwise, it would have been a 10/10 drama for me.

Overall, I enjoyed the drama because the cast was very good at acting, especially the leads. The editing of the scene while they ate her food was very funny and interesting. I wish they hadn't ruined the ending for the sake of giving the drama a happy conclusion.

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My Stomach Hurts From Laughing

I went in expecting a wild ride and was not disappointed! Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon had fantastic acting chemistry and delivered a bromance/cop drama that left me in stitches.

Each actor was perfectly suited for the role. I loved Dong Wook’s easy portrayal of a very flawed main character, but his flaws are not a detriment to my enjoyment. The way the story tackled his moral compass and growth was brilliantly done and I couldn’t dislike him if I tried. It was very touching to see the man his character became in the end.

Wi Ha Joon was responsible for the majority of the laughs and surprisingly some of the most touching moments. He personified “crazy” but had a level of depth I wasn’t initially expecting but became more apparent as the show went on.

The supporting cast was also a love able bunch of chaotic weirdos and fit in with the leads and story well. I wish we had gotten more of them.

Story wise, it was good but not without flaws. The first few episodes set things up wonderfully and had me on the edge of my seat. It began to slow down in the middle and almost crashed at the end. While it wasn’t a bad ending, it felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic. Like many shows with a 12 episode run, it could have benefited from being 16 instead. It would have been great to see more from the characters, Su-yeol’s development, sub-storylines, and a more polished main antagonist arc. I was left wanting more, which in this case wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Definitely check this one out if you a love action, a good laugh, have a sense of justice, and mysterious vigilantes.

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Funtime For Foodies

If you’re a foodie and love K-dramas then you’ve come to the right place! The camera work and detail that went into making this happen was fantastic and really brought everything to life.

The cast was also great. I fell in love with all the characters! Yoon A and Chae Min were brilliant; Chae Min’s performance felt so natural for him and his acting in the last few episodes was especially poignant. I didn’t want to leave any of these characters!

If I could make a small change it would be to make it a full 16 episode run. The 12 episode run may have worked if 3 episodes weren’t dragged out for the Ming envoy storyline. While the last two episodes made up for it, I felt as though the historical aspects were overshadowed by cooking. Im certainly not complaining, but the tonal shift was a bit jarring. The scheming and history plot line was pushed into the background until the end.

I was glad we got a happy ending. It definitely made up for the trauma we all felt with Scarlett Heart lol.

Would definitely watch again! Overall it was a good time and even garnered a good cry towards the end. I was rooting for our good guys all the way through.

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Story

I liked the story because it moves slowly, it has jumps in time, and you, as a viewer, have the most interesting part: collecting the pieces in those jumps to understand the final puzzle. And that's really interesting because your mind explodes trying to understand everything, it's a story that you want to solve and that's why I loved it so much, I love how they handle the story.
I became so attached to and in love with certain characters that before I knew it, I was crying in their names, in their honor. So, I enjoyed this story with characters who reach your most human side. ♡💞

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Wherein Coldness Yields to Affection, and Wounds Bloom into Love

It is with a most tender heart that I endeavour to set down my thoughts on ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’. The drama bewitched me entirely: I smiled, I sighed, and I found myself counting the days until Saturday as one might count the hours until a beloved visit.

Yeon Jiyeong was presented with a simplicity of truth that won me at once. She is strong, determined, hard-working and responsible — qualities not ostentatious, but admirable all the same. Her amiability, together with a ready humour and the genuine warmth of her friendship, made her magnetically agreeable; she seemed less a stranger upon the screen than a companion I had longed to know.

King Yiheon was first shown as a young gentleman of sarcastic tongue and frosty manner, a mask of disdain that kept others at bay. Yet, as the tale proceeded, it became apparent that this exterior sheltered a heart sorely scarred. Beneath that guarded bearing there lay nobility and much suffering; and to witness Yeon Jiyeong, by patience and affection, turn those wounds into blooming fragments of love was as touching as any gentle transformation one could desire.

I confess a weakness for romances wrapped in a little fantasy: such things stir within me a delicious, childlike sense of wonder, and I do not demand rigid logic so much as the warmth of a happy ending. This drama obliged me in both delight and consolation. I devoured each episode as one might a birthday cake, replete with whipped cream and strawberries, and often felt the impulse to step through the screen and administer a brisk dose of common sense to certain ill-natured characters.

In brief, ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ has taken up a cosy corner of my affections. It is a story I shall most assuredly revisit, for it leaves the heart light and the imagination a little more willing to believe in gentle miracles.

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Fitting End to the Saga (Hopefully Netflix won't ruin it with more seasons)

AIB is my all time favorite show. I gave this season 9 only because S1 and S2 was that good. In S3 you get to witness how goated the gamer Arisu is. He went back to Borderlands without old memories(initially) and served everything I hoped he would - strategy, charisma and staying true to his personality (and fixed his posture too :) ). Showered Arisu aura farming left -right lol.
For 6 episodes, the show delivered what you would expect - they focused on the games ( AIB was always about the games) and the games were interesting with more mind twisters (they are joker games so definitely a combination of all suits in terms of difficulty). The last episode dealt more with the philosophical aspect of life vs death vs limbo (and I liked they kept the conversations moderate and not overly dramatic).
Initially I felt a bit let down with Usagi's portrayal but when I rewatched S2, it hit me - Usagi never got over her father's death and the stigma that came with it. In S2 beginning she wanted to stay back in Borderland and changed her mind in Queen of Spade game (after all the struggles they went through) - that character growth was lost when they went back to real world, thanks to the memory loss. Perhaps she felt uncomfortable in expressing those deeper, darker emotions to Arisu, who was literal sunshine bf/husband. She is also kind of closed off when it comes to emotions and grew up independent. Arisu might also have given her space and not pushed her (though that's still kind of a plothole). Thus when Ryuji offered her a chance to find answers, she took it (and Ryuji himself is a Joker level manipulator).
Ryuji falling for Usagi was both frustrating and interesting. Usagi does have that endearing tenacity which drives people to her. But I would have wanted him to remain true to his OG self and goal (there by making Banda's plans more meaningful).
Perhaps an additional episode could have covered certain questions - why Banda was so fascinated with Arisu when they never had any direct interactions in prior seasons. It could be that he heard about Arisu from other players who stayed and being the psycho he is, got obsessed with him. Banda had some wicked games but overall his presence was underwhelming compared to Mira (Queen of Hearts). My girl Ann deserved more screen time, tracing her journey discovering the secrets. My guess on why she could see Banda in real world is that she was in a limbo state even in Borderland when they finished all the games and hence she retained the memories.
Overall this season was a thrilling watch and a fitting end to the saga. I am so happy they ended the show with the OG crew showing up and talking about how they are living life to the fullest on their own terms and it's a full circle moment for each of their character arcs. I teared up when I saw Aguni with the hat (his ode to Hatter). While I am torn about none of them showing up in Joker games, I am happy that they are thriving in their own ways. (I did miss Chishiya's cool vibes and aura farming).

In. a nutshell, AIB asks and tries to answer the question "What makes your life worth living" - you may or may not find that answer and that's totally fine. Sometimes living just because you are living is what makes it worth it. Highly recommend this season and AIB as a whole.

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