Reviews

This is not that nice

So, I started this drama when it stopped airing cause by watching the trailer I was not really convinced, later my friend asked if we could watch it together since she loves the Love in the air couple.

First Episodes:
I would say that the first three episodes were just akward for me to watch and I kind of felt like, dude what's happenening in the other world, like even tho I didn't want to watch it I needed to know

Central episodes:
Between episode 4 and 8 the plot was moving alright and everything seemed fine, well the in episode 8 where Cir wakes up was to only comfirmation that another world exists (since the Cir from this universe had a scar on his head)
then later I realised that the guy who woke up in that episode was someone from another world, cause then later Phu finds out that Cir gas been a pshyco STALKER like whyyyy
So moving on the original Cir comes back and everything seems fine till...

Final episodes(I wished I didn't see those):
So Phu finds out that Cir has been liyng to him about the whole parralel world and stuff, and in reality he was actually a STALKER like dude I get why Phu decided to dissapear (like he's already traumatiesed from his fathers death now thiss)
Also like why is everyone telling him to hear Cir out like he has a reason to do that???

Let's be clear Stalking is not okay if someone is stalking someone else and you know it please tell the police since people like that need therapy!!!

In the end his reason was not reasonable, like I get it he had a difficult time growing up, and Phu made somethig come back alive deep inside him but thats not a reason to stalk someone, litte tip for Cir if you like someone talk to them PLEASE, in the end I did like the pair ups like the chemestry between is defenetly legit.

The jin and Wim couple was personally the best and I need more of them as main leads, they were just so cute.

For me they souldn't have made Phu and Cir end up together because for me Cir is a psycho that belived that his own immagination of begin together with Phu meant that he is in another universe, cause of what he was seeing in his dreams could've been part of his imagination.

End thoughts:
Personally most of the drama was not understandable for the multiple reasons I've given you, but also the confusion during the whole drama was simply there and most of the times me and my friend looked at each other and where like wth is happening?
Probably not worth watching and I don't really recommend it if yiu wanna stay sane in mind

DISCLAIMER
English is not my first language so I am sorry if I misspelled any words or made any grammar errors
Also this is my personal opinion and I am not saying that everyone else is crazy me and my friend defenetly won't rewatch this, hope this was helpful have a nice day🙂!

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Excellent series, for fans of suspense and desserts :)

Excellent Ro-Thriller series starring Ryusei Yokohama

PLOT: To avenge the conspiracy that led to her mother's death (14 years earlier, in a famous traditional dessert company), the FL (little dessert genius) agrees to marry the heir (ML) of the brand. She will gradually discover the complexity and secrets of this family.

+++ Excellent actors: Ryusei Yokohama (ღ˘⌣˘ღ), the beautiful Hamabe Minami, and all the supporting actors who bring to life twisted, strange characters, just the way the Japanese like them :)
+++ Well-written story, with skillfully maintained suspense.
+++ Effective direction, beautiful images/costumes/sets, showcasing the desserts well.
+++ Beautiful portrayal of Japanese culture and traditions.

### OSTs too Japanese for me
### Ending a bit rushed

**********************************************************************************
Excellente série Ro-Thriller avec Ryusei Yokohama

PLOT: pour venger le complot qui a conduit à la mort de sa mère (14 ans + tôt, ds 1 fameuse Cie de desserts traditionnels), la FL (petit génie des desserts) accepte de se marier avec l'héritier (ML) de la marque. Elle va peu à peu découvrir la complexité et les secrets de cette famille.

+++ Excellents acteurs : Ryusei Yokohama (ღ˘⌣˘ღ), la très belle Hamabe Minami, et tous les acteurs support qui donnent vie à des personnages tordus, étranges, comme les japonais les aiment :)
+++ Story bien écrite, avec un suspense habilement entretenu.
+++ Réalis° efficace, belles images / costumes / décors, mettant bien en valeur les desserts.
+++ Belle mise en valeur de la culture japonaise, des traditions.

### OSTs trop japonaises pour moi
### Ending un peu rushed

=> Excellente série, pour les amateurs de suspense et de desserts :)

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An almost Hannibalesque thriller yet so unique!

Nine Puzzles is a well written crime drama with an interesting plot & from the teaser, it reminded me of Hannibal the series. Now, it was really fun to speculate on who was the killer and whom to trust and the reveal, despite not being that much of a surprise to me, happened to be very charged emotionnally, which was different but still very much enjoyable. The only thing that's a bit meh, a plot hole some might say, is that we didn't get to see how the murders actually occured through the eyes of the killer.

However, this drama, instead of being focused on the extreme plot twist aspect of a thriller story, it is rather centered on characters and actually subtly alludes to some social issues (power, money, corruption, bonus point for the lavender marriage mention) so kudos for that! I also need to mention the absolute mouth gaping cameos, the great music and imagery, the atypicality/neurodivergence of the two main leads that felt fresh and fitted perfectly for the story and ofc the addicting chemistry between Kim Dami and Son Sukku.

Overall, it's a nice thriller drama, definitely perfect for binge watchers! Apprently, there is no season 2 planned but i'm fine with it as i'm very much satisfied with the ending!

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...

2gether is like my first love if i had a heartbreak i will go and watch 2gether.. i'm confused so i will watch 2gether....
i can watch 2gether forever i love they chemistry and my key to bl is this series or movie but 2gether is like my healer i can watch this whenever i need and its gives me the chills like watching 1st time
And this is not the best drama but its a good and nostalgic movie..
The chemistry of Sarawatine is best like and the story telling is good they rewinded us all 2 parts in one movie which is kinda intresting plot and when sarawat gives tine guitar picks just skips my heart beat so overall its good

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Meeting and partings

I wanted to enjoy the idea of this movie. However the pacing and emotional core personally weren't built strongly leaving a somewhat lacking experience.

The main gripes I have with the movie was the way the story played out. Each character had reasonable reasons for you to feel like it matters but for some reason I felt a total lack of chemistry between everyone. I'm not sure what it is but all the couples didn't feel like couples. Kozue and Tsuyoshi had a really surface level romance that felt like it was just going from scene to scene.

The best example would be how they reminisced about them meeting each other. I felt like Tsuyoshi couldn't make me feel like it was an actual memory. Their banter was like it was meant to be playful digging but it didn't feel as if they knew each other for that long. The worst part about this is the emotional scenes at the end don't really hit because you don't feel that love beforehand from these scenes at the beginning.

Ruri, Akira and Ryunosuke also had this same issue. I'm not sure if I'm just not getting Ren Maguro's range yet seeing as how he's so popular, but I felt like he barely had any real connection to Arimura's character in this. I think it might have to do with again the scripting and general transitions from scene to scene. Akira felt really one sided and just sorta there. No real reason for them to even be so in love, next to making Ruri feel needed. Which is not a bad thing but in this movie it does not come through.

Arimura as well felt off more then usual. I didn't feel like she was her usual depressed character. She seemed to be struggling with the direction and line deliveries. Again I think this came down to what the director wanted. I don't feel like they understood relationship building. Kei and her also had barely anytime to set up their relationship and their fight scene was extremely poor. It felt so undramatic!

Music was also really off in this movie for me. They kept playing the John Lennon song in place where they wanted reactions but it ended up just being sorta annoying. I also felt like the movie had an extremely mellow Soundtrack that didn't help the movies scenes. There were also scenes that should of had music but didn't, like the home chase scene. It was very head scratching.

The camera work was fine. I could see they tried to infuse some unique angles to make it more interesting, like the first time they went to Akira's house with the overhead sweeping shot and the train ride home in the Final scenes. But either then that it was serviceable. The colour grading was good.

I think the main problem everyone will have is how the plot unfolds. The focus from story to story I think hurts the flow of this movie. I don't feel like it was balanced. Most of the time it was only Akira and Ruri's scenes. But as I mentioned these scenes didn't convey well enough what was going on between them. So then the rest of the movie also suffered due to lack of cohesion and connection. By the end of the movie it's hollowness is apparent due to the unbalanced use of screen time. Nothing really resolves. I wanted to really get a message of: "someday we will surely meet again, no matter how much time passes."

It was really off when Yui was at the grave with Tsuyoshi. The reveal felt out of place due to the previous scenes lacking any sort of indication that this happened already. I know they were trying to do a surprise reveal but it felt super flat. Like when Ruri convinced the father that it was her. They missed a super opportunity to redo the special hand bumps to reiterate its her! Something as simple as that would of helped immensely. You still get a few tears here and there but it's mostly at the thought of what is happening rather then the act itself. Callbacks in a movie about believing in reincarnation are really important to get that heart string.

I think personally I would retool much of the movie and interactions so they could match up better by the end.

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a different FL actress

**My Thoughts on *Be Passionately In Love***

First of all, the drama was just okay for me overall. My main concern is with the casting choice for the female lead (FL). Given the title *Be Passionately In Love*, I expected a more emotionally and physically expressive performance—especially when it comes to romantic scenes.

I completely respect the actress’s personal boundaries and principles, particularly regarding kissing scenes. However, I feel that if those limitations are in place, she may not have been the best fit for a drama that clearly aims to deliver intense romantic chemistry. The show has potential, and perhaps with a different FL, it could’ve delivered the passion the title promises.

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Gripping, Disturbing, and Cinematically Brilliant

A Killer Paradox is a psychological thriller that sets itself apart from the rest. Even if you’ve come across the webtoon beforehand, the way it translates to the screen is something entirely different. Even with prior knowledge, this series is gripping in a way that sticks with you long after the final episode.

One of the standout elements is the cast. Everyone is perfectly suited for their roles. The lead actor, in particular, does an incredible job of portraying the protagonist, who comes across as ordinary and almost naive, yet there’s so much depth in his performance. The internal conflict he’s dealing with is handled subtly but powerfully, and you can feel the tension building with every moment. His vulnerability makes it all the more engaging, and you’ll find yourself drawn into the story as much by the character’s journey as by the thriller aspect itself.

The cinematography is also a huge highlight. It’s clear a lot of attention went into making every shot feel intentional. The lighting, angles, and the overall visual style really enhance the psychological tension of the show. Every frame feels carefully designed to pull you deeper into the protagonist's world, where confusion and dread constantly simmer beneath the surface. It’s visually stunning in a way that elevates the emotional depth of the show.

When it comes to the writing, A Killer Paradox nails it. The pacing is perfectly timed to build a sense of unease without feeling rushed. It’s not just about blood or violence (though there's plenty of that), it’s about the mental and emotional weight that the protagonist carries, and the show captures that brilliantly. As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself questioning the nature of guilt, innocence, and human behavior especially as things become more unpredictable.

A Killer Paradox is a well-crafted psychological thriller that doesn’t just entertain, but makes you think. It challenges expectations, blurs the lines between right and wrong, and leaves you with a lingering sense of unease. With its solid performances, excellent cinematography, and an unpredictable storyline, it’s a show that’s hard to forget. A must-watch for fans of dark, complex thrillers with strong characters and visually striking direction.

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Trauma, betrayal, politics, and ruthless foes; one man's fight to avenge without losing his soul.

Legend of Zang Hai is a historical drama that beautifully weaves together themes of revenge, political intrigue, and personal growth. Directed by Zheng Xiaolong , and written by Zhao Liuyi, the series stars Xiao Zhan as Zang Hai, a young man whose path to vengeance takes him deep into the heart of imperial politics.

The story follows Zhi Nu, the son of the Imperial Astronomer, who witnesses the brutal massacre of his entire family as a child. Rescued by a mysterious group of men, he spends ten years being trained, and practically groomed, for revenge, honing his skills in geomancy, architecture, strategy, and manipulation, not to become a warrior, but to become a weapon.

He returns to the capital under a new identity: Zang Hai, a 20 years old young man, with no status and no allies. His training is incomplete, but he is armed with purpose, intelligence, determination, and a plan (in making). Every move he makes is calculated, every word is a weapon, and every moment is dangerous.

Zang Hai is not your typical hero. He doesn’t fight with swords, and he doesn't burst onto the stage with exceptional martial arts or noble rank. Instead, he fights with his mind. When he returns to the capital, he is a nobody, and his enemies are some of the most brutal and most powerful men of the Empire. And yet, he’s not alone. Along the way, he forms a group of unlikely allies:

– A hostage princess who runs Zhen Tower, a place full of underground dealings
– Zhixing, the disillusioned second son of his enemy, a gambler and drinker, but surprisingly talented
– An old friend and disciple of his father from childhood who survived the massacre, and a skilled martial artist who hangs around him
– His loyal master Gao Ming, who makes up for what Zang Hai lacks in experience

Together, they balance his weaknesses and support him in his climb through the dangerous layers of court politics; and as Zang Hai ascends the political ladder, he starts grapling with the complexities of power, morality, and the true cost of vengeance.

The drama is packed with tension, twists, and mysteries that constantly make you question everyone’s motives. It’s brutal at times: raw, emotional, and unafraid to show the cost of ambition and revenge. But it’s also thoughtful, character-driven, and beautifully written. Everything about it screams quality; from the cinematography to the costumes, from the soundtrack to the acting, everything about it feels rich and purposeful. The production value is exceptional, and the story never loses momentum across 40 episodes.

If you enjoy character-driven stories about flawed but determined protagonists , the kind who make mistakes and carry regrets, but never stop moving forward, then Legend of Zang Hai is something you need to check out.

A near masterpiece. 10/10.

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Only Japan can make a drama like this

Only Japan can make a drama like this. They are best at bringing the most realistic aspects of human life that a lot of people can relate to, at least it's for me, and they do it so naturally. "Quartet" has a similar vibe with one of my other favorite Japanese series “Life’s Punchline”, which is also a great slice of life drama, with a little bit of mystery elements.

I relate to every character and their story. The series has brought to life the real people, without any filter. They are the people we can meet in our real life, with all their strengths and flaws. Four main characters are a group of oddballs with different personalities. Together, they form a found family under the name of a quartet. I really love their bonding. It is just so beautiful. Their daily interactions with a lot of bantering are the light of the whole series.

What I love the most about "Quartet" is its concept of a found family. As someone who grew up in a dysfunctional family, I always find comfort in the concept of a happy family or found family, and I got sick of the typical trope where 'family is family and we should stick together no matter what'. In this series, there are no toxic family members that we have to meet if we don't want to, just because they are blood-related family members and everyone says you should meet or take care of them. This message is directly implied in the conversation between Maki and Suzume at a restaurant near the hospital where Suzume's biological father is. People around Suzume kept telling her to visit her shameless father, while Maki just told Suzume to go home with her after knowing that Suzume didn't want to do that. She also said that the members of the quartet are family because they share the same house, use the same shampoo and wash their clothes in the same washing machine. How beautiful that is!

I think that one of the reasons why the members of the quartet meet each other and form a new found family together is that they all have problematic families, besides being weirdos. Maki and Suzume were also the ones who ran away from their biological families to start a new life. All of them are each other's home. They are the imperfect pieces in an imperfect found family, yet no pieces should be missed out. Just like how a doughnut can't be a doughnut without a hole, Quartet Doughnuts Hole can't exist without the flaws from its members. Their first meeting at the karaoke is really a destiny.

Another thing I love about this drama is that there is no romantic couple between the main characters in the end. Although it's painful to watch their unrequited love fail, I think it's very realistic. It happens in real life. Not everyone can be with the person they love.

I love that music and food are included in this slice of life series. It adds a lot to the story. I enjoyed every piece of music played by the quartet. I love how imperfect it is, as well as how imperfect and weird our characters are. I relate to them a lot, as I'm a weirdo myself and also someone who chose to stop chasing a dream as an artist and kept it as a hobby instead, with a quite similar reason. In my case, I grew up in an Asian household and was forced to study hard in academic stuff. I love painting but haven't had any proper art class. I don't learn any techniques professionally, and I think my paintings are not something people would want to buy. I also realized my love for art quite late and was stuck with regrets for a while, when I wanted to become an artist but also thought I couldn't live on my art skills. I didn't really want to learn properly either, as I love the way I paint. When I decided to keep it as a hobby, my heart became more relieved. I also met a friend with a similar situation, and we often meet and talk about arts and life. I will call her my quartet sister from now on. :)

At the moment I am still trying to figure out what I really want to do and what I can do well. I'm kind of in a career crisis, and I'm not at the position I really want to be. I haven't found my ikigai. I feel I've been stuck in a comfort zone for too long. I want to start over again, and there are a lot of things I want to try. Other people say I'm not that young to keep experiencing things, but I'm not okay with being stuck like this anymore. My quartet sister says I can do it. She also has things she wants to try. I think we will be fine. I think we might do some workshops together in the future.

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So was it as bad as I thought?

At first, I read the reviews on here and thought that I was going to not like the show. The rating was high but the reviews were detailed about how awful the show is and the troupes were bad. People were also saying it's mostly "soft-core p**n" which is what I believed and I just walked into it just knowing I'm probably gonna hate it and drop it. I already had my angry review about how terrible it was

And I actually didn't hate it. It wasn't like everyone (the negative reviewers) said it was, as I watched more of it I just understood why those people didn't like it and rated it the way they did. I could understand the points people were making but it's definitely worth the "I'll decide for myself" approach when you watch it. I started watching it with I already hate it mentality because of the reviews I had read on it saying it wasn't great.

Part 1:

I won't lie, I almost dropped it after the 2nd episode and I'll explain the reasons shortly. The first episode started off simple, a little meet and easy simping sparkle sparkle, then bam the infamous s*'a* scene which don't get me wrong any type is BAD. With context I could understand the mistake (until later in the show -_- lowkey still mad how Rain brushed over that Part) but that doesn't excuse you to put your hands on someone like that without communication and consent.

The next scene that almost made me drop it was the spanking scene. I wouldn't even get my worst enemy to watch that scene. I was so close to dropping it after that scene alone but then the show took a bit of a different direction in the weirdest game of hot and cold which slowly intrigued me. At the end of the first part I didn't actually dislike it, I enjoyed it enough that I was scared to watch the 2nd half of the show.

Part 2:

Now if I was Sky I would've beaten Rain to pieces. But I digress, The start of the 2nd half wasn't as bad as described. It was still a poor choice. It could've been way worse though, but what do you expect when it comes to a player? I actually enjoyed the 2nd half a lot more than the first, there was a lot more conflicts and internal battles faced that made it more enjoyable than the 1st part.

It was a lot more slow burn into the two being a couple than how kinda easily the 1st couple got into a relationship. After a few episodes into the 2nd part I was like "He's a good man Savannah, a good man" way better than the first couple in terms of boundaries as well. I can't particularly mention a scene where I felt like I was going to drop this whole thing completely unlike how long it took me to warm up the 1st part. The production for the 2nd half was less than the 1st half but I think it fit with how complicated the story was. It didn't need to be over the top because the story it self was already more than enough to carry.

(Spoiler but: SKY THAT MAN WAS BUIILT LIKE CAILLOU ARE YOU SERIOUS??)

There's obviously flaws here and there. I did enjoy their struggles in school mainly always having work to do them suffering but sometimes they randomly brushed it off like "yeah we're on break now" which was kinda funny. The characters weren't entirely fleshed out. I did like the NC scenes those were pretty good.

Some things that did bug me or that I didn't like was the weird motorcycle shots but not more than hearing the microphones clash in the scenes. I kept hearing those thing popping and flopping and it bothered me like hell. I didn't hear it until the 2nd part and I. Kept. Hearing. It, throughout the entire second half. THE PHONE CALLS??? Who ever edited those I'm sorry to whoever you are but you need to get fired, they changed pitches and sound quality every 5 seconds I was wondering if it was a 3 three way call or something. I know that there's a budget but I've done better with 3 cents so no excuses.


Do I recommend it? I would say it's an ok watch, you won't lose anything if you watch it. Honestly I would actually want to rewatch it again in the future skip a few but I say take every review with a grain of salt and watch it for yourself and if you get uncomfortable or bored or uninterested then stop watching it there's so many other things to watch.

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