Reviews

A Sassy Dating Coach Comedy That Couldn’t Take Its Own Advice

"Love Guru Gets Played by Cupid—Tragic but Make It Fashion." 💄

Bora! Deborah (True to Love): 7/10 – A Sassy Dating Coach Comedy That Couldn’t Take Its Own Advice

✨ THE GOOD:
Deborah’s chaos energy – Confident, loud, and emotionally unhinged. A dating coach we’d die for (but never hire).
Yoo In-na’s wardrobe – Every heartbreak slayed with a new outfit. Fashion is healing.
Enemies to lovers – The banter was hot, sharp, and had real slow-burn spice.


🙄 THE "WHY DID YOU DO THIS?" MOMENTS:
Dragged middle episodes – Like being ghosted mid-date and still waiting at the restaurant.
The ex plotline – Girl, he’s beige. We moved on in episode two.
Everyone needed therapy, no one got it – Emotional messes left on read.


💋 THE "JUST KISS ALREADY" FACTOR:
Chemistry? Check.
Pacing? Off.
We waited 14 episodes for a kiss that deserved a confetti cannon and got... a soft piano score.


🎯 VERDICT:
"Like reading your ex’s texts out loud to strangers—chaotic, messy, and oddly satisfying."


Watch if: You love confident women, hot banter, and beautifully dressed breakdowns.
Skip if: You hate slow burns or need your leads to kiss before retirement.


Best paired with: 🍷 A glass of wine and a journal you can scream into.

Read More

my forever sunshine

i enjoyed the series , atleast when I didn't permit the FL's bad dress style , atrocious hair , forever clinging backpack and childlike/childish mannerisms bother me .

it was a good series , at least for the timeline it was made.

i loved the younger versions better.. both luo yunxi and janice wu did such a fabulous job. In comparison , I found the old versions pale in comparison. don't get me wrong. i love both wallace chung and tiffany tang. but it seems the younger and older versions seemed like totally different people , not in the way "they grew up , so they are different " way.... they felt different people..

if I ignore this part and try to enjoy younger and old versions as independent stories , I had a better time enjoying the series. I loved the story of younger version - I liked the exuberance and initiative taking personality of FL - the initial hesitency , but "all in " mode of ML when he accepted her. i felt sorry , somewhere life took away that naiveness and full of life personality of FL.. and reduced the ML to "if not her , then no one " stage , where mere indication of travel on her part could trigger PTSD in him and get him to attack her. i hated it , but it also made me think the intensity of his feelings for her. such love is rare. its nice to see it had a great ending .

talking of love, what is it with Cdramas , there is always some character who doesn't give up and keep pursuing unrequited love. i don't mind waiting when one is/was in an acknowledged relationship.. but , waiting for someone who though not confessed, knew about it , and clearly not acknowledging it or rejecting it or taking it forward. such love I feel is a mental issue . being in such constant delusion is what? ML's meimei is clearly always looking for a "seemingly valid reason" to keep pursing him and justifying it.

and I never understood this concept of "being worthy of loved" I keep hearing it in c dramas and k dramas .. as if there is a list of qualifications to be eligible to be loved or to love.. dear c/k drama writers.. there is no such qualification - anyone can love anyone - qualifications of any kind doesn't matter -- it happens , people fall in love - and who the hell is bystanders questioning it?

ok, enough ranting - its a nice series if u ignore few things , so don't mind my ranting

Read More

Interested in Supermoon?

I'll be honest, I rarely ever watch any trailers before watching a show or movie. And this time was the same. Saw the poster and went right into watching it.

This movie's theme is more leaned towards Memories of Youth, Space, etc. To have a highschool first love like them, unfulfilled wish. A good movie to watch when you want something light and good.

Xu Nian Nian, played by Liu Hao Cun, a new student who transferred in their school, smart and athletic. She performs well academically, and she's good at sports too.

Yang Yi, His obsession with Space, stars and Universe. He can do anything he want but too lazy to work hard, until he met Xu Nian Nian. He actually started to study more to get close to NianNian.

They're bickering a lot, and it's hilarious actually. Cause that bickering is so fun to watch. Friendly fire turned to a basketball match. And the whole competition was entertaining.

If I gotta say what I was surprised with in the Movie it was this, I thought throughout the whole movie that Yang Yi fell first and he fell harder, But plot twist, at the end suddenly everything changed and every scene connected like dots, and showed that NianNian saw him first and fell for him first and she fell harder. Her feelings were not noticeable at first but reaching the end they became clear.

Things I liked the most in the Movie:
1. Never thought I'd see Song Wei Long in a skirt and a ribbon on his head.
2. The Bus slap scene. Lol that was funny.
3. How Yang Yi's eyes widened when he realised that Xu Nian Nian knows how to play Basketball, to be honest that was the moment he knew he fucked up.
4. When XNN contaced YY to meet up, and he agreed with a single text, like they haven't been apart at all, and it's the same as it was a year ago.

From my point of view, it was definitely a good movie and I'd recommend you to watch it!

Read More

Must Watch

The concept is relatively new. Plot was captivating and perfectly balanced between politics, rights, and love. The acting was well executed, facial expressions matched the plot in every scene. There were so many added details that were small, yet important to touch on to make everything seamless (flashbacks to them and quotes brought back up were so good and surprised me every time). Transitions were smooth, no loose threads, every scene had a purpose that builds on the story and minimal time was wasted – which is important but not achieved by most web dramas. The script was also top tier (esp. if you understand Chinese, it's next level) better than some of the higher production dramas. Although the ending wasn't the best, could’ve easily been an alternative solution imo, so it seemed almost forced, but overall still one of the better dramas I’ve watched in recent years. Should’ve been produced as a longer drama, it had all the potential. Deserves higher rating.

Read More

A Sonata of Flaws, Forgiveness, and Found Family

Some stories announce themselves loudly from the very first note. Quartet is not that kind of story.

It opens like a hesitant pluck of string on a barely tuned violin—shy, awkward, slow. For the first episode or two, you might find yourself wondering whether you’ve wandered into an avant-garde meditation on adult disappointment. But then, like all the best compositions, Quartet finds its tempo. And when it does, it plays a symphony that is bittersweet, whimsical, aching, and profoundly human.

Set against the frosted silence of a Karuizawa winter, Quartet introduces us to four individuals who each carry a secret like a cello case on their back—heavy, awkward, impossible to ignore. They meet by fate, or perhaps by narrative trickery, and decide to form a string quartet named, of all things, “Doughnut Hole.” The reason? “Because only people with holes in their hearts can create music like this.” That absurdly poignant metaphor is the beating heart of the entire show.

Let’s get this out of the way: Quartet boasts one of the finest ensemble casts I’ve seen in a J-drama. And it’s not just about individual performances—it’s about how they breathe in sync, like musicians sharing one breath across four instruments.

Mitsushima Hikari as Suzume is absolutely mesmerizing. If emotion had a stealth mode, she’s cracked it. Her portrayal of the free-spirited, sleepy, yet emotionally wounded cellist is so layered it’s like peeling an onion while blindfolded—every revelation stings a little, and yet you can’t stop. She brings to life a woman who smiles while her heart crumbles, and somehow, it never feels contrived. Just devastatingly real. Suzume, the sleepy-eyed cellist with a murky past and the soul of a wounded animal, is one of the most layered characters I've seen in a long time. Her ability to mask sadness with whimsy, to cry while smiling, to offer joy while breaking inside—Hikari performs every emotional beat with a terrifying precision that’s impossible to look away from.

Takako Matsu as Maki Maki (yes, really) is equally brilliant in her restraint. Maki is a character wrapped in silk and secrets, a woman who speaks in polite half-truths and musical metaphors, and Matsu delivers her story with the grace of a tightrope walker—careful, deliberate, breathtaking when she finally leaps. The drama wisely waits to unpack Maki’s backstory until the perfect moment, and when it lands, it does so with a narrative weight that hits like a dropped bow on a silent stage. Giving us a character who seems composed on the outside but harbors storms inside. Her backstory unfolds like a tightly sealed letter, opened only when the drama is good and ready—and when it lands, it lands hard.

Issei Takahashi and Ryuhei Matsuda round out the quartet as Beppu and Iemori, each bringing a distinct texture to the ensemble. Beppu is the closest thing this drama has to a romantic lead, though he is so emotionally flammable that romance feels less like a spark and more like a fire hazard. Iemori, on the other hand, is the oddball viola player who speaks in riddles and seems to orbit reality at his own tilt. His interactions with Suzume—chaotic, tender, sometimes absurd—are some of the most charming moments in the show.

What truly elevates Quartet isn’t just the acting—it’s the writing. This is one of those rare dramas where the banter is a highlight. From seemingly pointless debates about whether to squeeze lemon on karaage, to metaphysical musings on love, truth, and identity, every conversation feels like a carefully composed jazz riff: casual on the surface, precise underneath. The humor is deadpan and odd, the emotional reveals are sudden but earned, and the story dances constantly between past and present without warning. It asks for your full attention, but it rewards you for listening.

The dialogue leans heavily on Japanese wordplay and cultural references, which might fly over the heads of non-Japanese speakers. But if you’re fluent or even semi-fluent, it’s a treasure trove of clever puns and emotionally resonant lines that walk the tightrope between comedy and tragedy.

The soundtrack, too, deserves special mention. Not only do the cast members perform the quartet pieces themselves (with some studio magic and a lot of practice), but the original theme song—sung by the actors—is an addictive, jazzy bossa nova earworm that manages to be upbeat and melancholy. Kind of like the show itself.

At a glance, Quartet might seem like your average slice-of-life story. Four strangers. One villa. A musical dream. But under the cozy kotatsu of that premise lies a surprisingly twisty web of deception, longing, and past regrets. But Quartet isn’t really about music. It’s about the people who make it. It’s about what happens when four flawed, lonely, misfit adults accidentally find each other and, without fixing their broken pieces, learn how to play together anyway. The love angles are messy—beautifully so. Suzume loves Beppu, who only sees her as a sister. Beppu pines for Maki, who is still unraveling from a marriage that almost destroyed her. Iemori, ever the pragmatic oddball, quietly protects Suzume from emotional pain, knowing he’ll never be the one she looks at that way. And despite all this emotional entanglement, the show never devolves into melodrama. It just lets the awkwardness, the longing, the unspoken words simmer quietly, as they do in real life.

It’s hard to talk about the plot without spoiling the little moments that make it special. Let’s just say this: every character is hiding something, but this isn’t a mystery show in the traditional sense. The secrets unravel slowly, organically, sometimes out of order, and often without warning. Flashbacks are slipped in with no announcement. Conversations hint at timelines that aren’t immediately clear. You’ll need to listen—not just to the music, but to what’s being said between the silences.

Yes, some resolutions feel rushed. And yes, the plot can get convoluted. But if you surrender to the rhythm, the emotional payoff is worth the patience. There are flaws, of course. The show starts slow—some might abandon it before it finds its rhythm. The plot sometimes spirals into convoluted timelines and subtle cues that could confuse an inattentive viewer. And certain resolutions to conflicts might feel too brisk or unresolved. But the emotional payoff is rich. Quartet is not about tying everything neatly—it's about learning to live with the knots.

If I had to pick one reason to recommend Quartet, it’s Suzume. Her arc is the emotional backbone of the series. She’s the trickster, the wildcard, the dreamer with the saddest eyes. Watching her struggle with unrequited love, personal guilt, and the fear of being abandoned again is like watching someone play a concerto on broken strings—and somehow still create beauty.

Another favorite thread was the quiet understanding between Iemori and Suzume. Their friendship, full of strange conversations and unspoken affection, is the kind of dynamic you rarely see onscreen. And while they don’t end up together, the mutual respect and care in their interactions was deeply touching. The show ends not with grand resolutions but with acceptance. The quartet performs to a full audience not because they’ve fixed their lives, but because they’ve decided to keep playing anyway

Verdict:
Quartet is a rare gem that doesn’t shout for your attention—it whispers, and if you’re willing to lean in close enough, it will sing to you about longing, forgiveness, and the quiet, imperfect beauty of being known. A slow start, yes, and sometimes too subtle for its own good, but what a profoundly satisfying little sonata it turned out to be.

Quartet asks: what happens when broken people come together not to fix each other, but simply to listen? What kind of music can be made from lives with gaping holes at their center?

The answer: something unexpectedly beautiful.

Yes, the pacing stumbles early on. Yes, it demands attention and cultural fluency. But once the pieces fall into place, Quartet becomes a delicate, emotional masterpiece—a found-family tale that lingers long after the final bow.

This is not a drama about solving mysteries or winning love. It’s a story about acceptance. About knowing someone might never heal completely, and choosing to stay anyway. In a world obsessed with perfection, Quartet dares to say: you don’t need to be whole to make harmony. Sometimes, all you need is someone to play alongside you.

Score: 8/10

Read More

Way Back Love - Needs More Recognition For The Beautiful Acting And Emotions Portrayed

I just binged this in one sitting, and I feel all kinds of emotions. However, I know that this taught me a lot about feelings, emotions, hardships, and how to deal with them, especially when it comes to losing someone. This was so beautiful yet ever so heartbreaking... the main lead's emotions and acting were so raw and real that it made me feel as though I was suffering too. Yet, I loved every bit of it, and this was life-changing—Way Back Love—so beautiful that you can't even rate it.

There’s just something about the way the main lead conveyed these raw emotions that broke me down... Especially Ramwoo's confession after passing... the emotions he portrayed were so genuine... the casting was perfect; I could not imagine anyone else delivering the way they did.
Kim Taerae's OST and voice made it even more heart-wrenching... I was listening and crying to it while writing this. I love an angst-ridden emotional drama that includes lessons which make you ponder and reflect.

Read More

A pretty good watch!

Dear. Hongrang is a historical action-romance drama that catches your attention with its stunning visuals, sword fights, and intense storyline. With only 11 episodes, it delivers a fast-paced narrative filled with twists, betrayals, and emotional turns. While it leaves an impression, it also leaves the viewer wishing there was more—more depth, more build-up, and more time to connect with the characters and the world they live in.

At first glance, Dear. Hongrang seems like another typical period drama, but what makes it stand out is its unique mix of action and emotional complexity. The story follows the journey of characters caught in the turmoil of political conspiracies, personal vendettas, and complicated relationships. The plot certainly has potential and offers quite a few twists. However, one of the noticeable drawbacks is the lack of proper build-up leading to these turning points. Major events often happen so abruptly that there’s little time for viewers to digest or emotionally invest in them. Had the series been longer—say 16 or even 20 episodes—many of these moments could have had a more significant impact.

The pacing, unfortunately, feels rushed. Plot lines are introduced and resolved quickly, leaving little room for character development or exploration of backstories. There are emotional scenes that could have hit harder if the narrative allowed them to breathe. Despite these limitations, the cast delivers commendable performances. The actors portray their roles with depth and sincerity, which helps keep the viewers engaged even when the script falters in places.

Visually, Dear. Hongrang is a treat. The cinematography captures the essence of the historical setting beautifully. The action scenes, particularly the sword fights, are well choreographed and contribute to the thrill. The OSTs (original soundtracks) are another highlight. They are both haunting and melodic, perfectly complementing the mood of each scene and adding emotional weight where the script sometimes falls short.

This is a show for those who enjoy historical dramas filled with action, swordsmanship, and intense storylines. If you're into dramas with royal intrigue, tragic romances, and a darker tone, *Dear. Hongrang* is likely to appeal to you. However, if you’re looking for something lighthearted or expect a happy ending, you might want to skip this one. The ending leans toward the tragic side, which might not sit well with everyone.

In summary, Dear. Hongrang is a visually compelling, action-packed series with a promising storyline. It’s great for a one-day binge, especially if you’re in the mood for something dramatic and intense. However, the limited number of episodes makes the plot feel rushed and underdeveloped in parts. A longer format could have made this series exceptional by giving more room for world-building and emotional connection. Still, it’s worth watching for the action sequences, performances, and breathtaking visuals. Just be warned—this is not a story that ends with sunshine and rainbows.

Read More

Snooze remake

I love the Chinese version of this drama, and it is leaps and bounds better than the Korean version, however, Kim Yo-han for me isn't the problem. Yes, the acting is nowhere near as good as the Chinese version, but I don't think that's because of Yo-han. I didn't like the female lead's acting, and this put me off. It came across as cringy and quite forced. I believe that maybe this just wasn't the best casting, as I found the couple didn't have any chemistry.

However, the side couple was a glimmer of hope. I grew to enjoy watching the side couple a lot more than the main couple, and found that the acting and the chemistry between the two were a lot better.

Personally, if you were interested in this plot line, I would 100% watch the Chinese ver first and then give this a shot if you still want to watch it.

Read More

Tear Jerker -- Deeply Moving

Lee Seo-jin is the main reason I watched this drama, and I am glad I did. There is just something about his acting that pulls me in regardless of the story or the character. He delivered a compelling performance as Ji-hoon, successfully transitioning the character from a detached, cold individual to a warm, loving partner. His subtle expressions and gradual shift in demeanor effectively showcased Ji-hoon's emotional growth. His dimples, when his character finally starts smiling, became a beloved aspect of his portrayal and, of course, his undeniable chemistry with Uee and mature romance was refreshing to watch. For me the hardest parts to stomach were Ji-hoon’s interactions with his family and I mean all of them. The father, the cunning stepmother, the weak stepbrother, and even his old lover. She was the most infuriating besides his mom, of course.

Despite using some familiar tropes, Marriage Contract manages to be deeply moving and engaging because of its strong character development and exceptional acting. It's a drama focusing on the power of love, family, and resilience in facing harsh realities. It is sincere and earnest in its execution. It doesn't rely on overly dramatic twists but rather on the emotional journey of its characters. The development of the lead couple's relationship feels organic and believable, especially for characters who are a bit older and have past experiences. The standouts for me were Uee and the child actress Shin Rin-ah; their chemistry elevated the show with their compelling portrayals, making the characters feel real and relatable. The same goes for Uee, Lee Seo-jin, and Shin Rin-ah. Their believable family dynamic made the characters' emotional journey resonate deeply with me.

Marriage Contract is a story about finding happiness and meaning in life, even when facing a difficult prognosis, and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. I like that beyond central romance, the drama beautifully explores different forms of family relationships, whether by blood or by bond, highlighting their importance and impact. Marriage Contract will make you laugh, cry, and give you warmth and appreciation for life's precious moments. The phenomenal chemistry between the lead couple and the adorable child actress is an undeniable highlight that makes this drama a memorable watch.

Read More

Big Waste of time

Just to begin, I've attempted this kdrama on 7 different occasions because I like giving things a second chance, but the first time should have been enough.

The storyline was awful, i found myself bored the entire time watching this kdrama just wanting to give this a chance because i genuinly like the actors in this drama but i was practically clutching at straws to convice myself to keep watching.

The fact that all of these actors are incredible actors, and the storyline was so bad that it put their acting to shame. I've never seen Nam Joo-hyuk act so badly.

Read More

A Promising Start That Loses Its Spark

The music and visuals? Pretty solid — they definitely knew how to set the mood. Acting? Not bad, not great — just okay. Everyone showed up, remembered their lines, and looked serious when needed.

Now, about the mystery… well, it started strong but slowly turned into a “guess-the-next-cliché” game. I found myself predicting twists before they even finished the dramatic zoom-ins. And let’s talk about that very original idea of a genius detective getting psychiatric sessions from the killer — wait a minute… hasn’t Hannibal already done that? Maybe the writers watched it on a weekend binge and thought, “Hey, let’s just do that.”

Still, it’s not unwatchable. If you’re out of good series and just want something to pass the time, this might do the trick. Just don’t expect to be blown away. Here’s hoping season two comes back with some fresh brains (pun intended) and plot twists that actually twist.

Read More

Sweet, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming!

I'm gonna be honest here: this drama is a cringe fest, and nothing about it should work but miraculously, it does! It's sweet, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming.

Heads-up: Don’t go into this expecting a full-blown romance drama, because you will be disappointed. But also, it’s so much more than that! This story is really about personal growth and healing (although it really doesn't seem like one) and it's totally worth it.

It could have been almost perfect, but there were a few things that ruined it for me.

My main issues with it are:
1. There is no country or planet where the female lead would be considered fat. Not even South Korea. She’s healthy-looking, and honestly, she's on the skinny side!
2. This is one of those rare times when we needed extra episodes. Even just 14 would have been fine! The development of their relationship was so organic and perfect that I didn’t mind it taking 11 episodes to get there. The problem is we only got one episode of them being together, I feel robbed! Such a waste of amazing chemistry. They were so cute together, they could’ve been one of the greats!

All in all, this drama had no right being so cute and wholesome but it was!

It's such a great watch: light, fluffy, and sweet.

Read More