Reviews

Not as bad as Squid Game but still... unnecessary

It was good, the cast, the acting, the games. But did we need this 3rd season? Absolutely not.

Everything just felt so forced. I think Usagi just needed therapy, I don't really get why she thought that going back to the games would let her meet her father, like girl, he's long dead, what were you expecting to see there? My dad is dead too but I wouldn't go back to those games just to see him or whatever, like it doesn't make sense. Girl suddenly trusted this random ahh man that she met once and suddenly they're fighting life and death together like what lmao. I really did not understand her reason for going back to play the games, even ended up risking her own life, her baby's life, and her husband's life. It felt so forced, like please, you need therapy and more communication with your husband. I lost it when she reunited with Arisu and she was like "I wanted to see you!" and I'm like girl you wouldn't be in this situation in the first place if you didn't go back here.

It's also forced that this citizen wants Arisu as a citizen in Borderland too, like bro was literally just a couch potato before he got to Borderland, it's not like he's the only one who survived the games. I don't really get the point of Borderland Jesus either, like ok he explained that this place exists between life and death but it's not like we didn't know that already? It's just so confusing.

The other players were good characters, but I didn't feel as much emotional attachment as the ones in S1 and S2. The acting and CGI was amazing as always, I guess that's the only good thing in this season. I would've been happy if they just inserted a small scene in the last ep. of S2 with their new lives, like literally the last part of S3 with Arisu and Usagi happily married and with Arisu talking to everyone at the end.

Anyway, I don't even wanna talk about that America bit in the last ep., main character syndrome country fr when will Netflix learn that not everything needs an American spinoff.

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Oldie but Goodie. Stresemann steals the show

I watched the anime of Nodame Cantabile back in 2007. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch later seasons.

I figure I'll rewatch the anime and get back to it, but first I'll watch the jdorama, which came out in 2006.


§ Overview

Noda Megumi, aka Nodame, is a talented but airhead pianist. She acts like a child.

She then meets the top student of Momogaoka, Chiaki Shin'ichi, whom she falls in love with.

This is an unlikely romance between two talented people whose personalities are poles apart.


§ Notes

1. The drama started slow. It's not helped that I know the general flow of the story. I couldn't help but feel that the slapstick is dated.

Still, it's not bad once you get used to it. Besides, a character that I forgot existed in the anime stole the show in this jdorama.

Franz Stresemann's character is played by Takenaka Naoto, and he is so hilarious that he steals the spotlight whenever he is around. I checked the anime to compare, and the anime version doesn't seem to be as compelling as the live-action version. The anime version has blond hair, but speaks fairly standard Japanese as far as I could tell. In contrast, the live-action character wears a wig and speaks an exaggerated foreign accent that's so hilarious.


2. I do remember Shin'ichi's trauma, but I couldn't remember if the anime explored Nodame's trauma. I think this jdorama gives them equal weight.

Speaking of trauma, it doesn't go too much into emotion as what Your Lie in April did. The latter takes this issue more seriously. In contrast, Nodame Cantabile is mostly comedick and inserts the issue of trauma to make it more palatable. It's like adding honey so you won't taste the bitterness of a strong bitter pill.


3. Even though I heard that the anime is more faithful to the manga and Season 1's ending is good, this jdorama ends it at a much better spot.


4. If you like classickal musick, I believe this is one of the shows you can't go wrong watching.


§ Conclusion

This is a nice romance. The story still holds, though some of the physical comedy may feel dated. If you've seen the anime, this version still has plenty to offer.

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Didn’t Expect to Love It This Much… But Here I am!

I’m still honestly shocked at how much this series got to me. When I first pressed play, I thought I was setting myself up for disappointment. I had such high expectations at the beginning, but then I lowered them because, well… it’s a Chinese BL. If you’ve watched enough, you know there are limits compared to Taiwanese BLs, and I wasn’t sure the story could really deliver. But wow, they completely proved me wrong.

From the start, I was pulled in. The storyline is messy, dramatic, funny, and heartbreaking all at the same time, and that’s exactly what made it work for me. I laughed out loud at the ridiculous banter and chaotic schemes, and then, a few minutes later, I’d be crying like crazy because of how raw and emotional the scenes turned. I lost count of how many times this series messed with my feelings, but I kind of loved every second of it.

The relationship between Chi Cheng and Wu Suo Wei felt surprisingly real. Watching them together didn’t give me the usual over-the-top BL tropes, it actually felt like watching two straight guys trying to navigate a relationship, with all its awkwardness, sweetness, and tension. The way they handled their conflicts was so unexpectedly gentle, yet still firm in the right moments. Honestly, that’s what drew me in the most. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this kind of vibe in another series before, and it made their chemistry unforgettable.

Episodes 18 and 19? Oh my gosh. Easily the most heartbreaking stretch of the entire show. I had to stop for a couple of days just to recover. And yes, I’m still blaming Suo Wei’s mother for stirring up so much unnecessary conflict. If not for her meddling, maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so dramatic. I was frustrated, upset, and yet weirdly grateful, because those episodes wrecked me in the best way.

Now, I’ll admit, not everything was perfect. The last two episodes, for me, were the weakest part. Honestly, if they had cut those out, I’d probably be rating this series a perfect score. The subplot with Chi Cheng’s family conflict felt way too easy to resolve, almost like the writers rushed through it. It didn’t hit as hard as the rest of the story, and it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Still, even with its flaws, this drama kept me entertained and emotionally hooked from start to finish. The chemistry was real, and the emotional payoff was worth every tear and every laugh. It’s not just a revenge story but about unexpected feelings, messy love, and how relationships can surprise us when we least expect it.

So yeah, I went in doubtful, but came out obsessed. This one left a mark on me, and I think it’s going to stick in my mind for a long time.

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I have read the novel

As someone who has already read the novel, I can confidently say this series is absolutely worth watching. The story itself is beautiful, and the direction it’s going in is really something to look forward to. It’s not just your typical romance or drama — there’s depth, there’s conflict, and there are a lot of little details that make it exciting to compare between the novel and the series.

I noticed some people are quick to judge after only one episode, especially because the rating dropped from 8.1 to 7.8 the last time I checked. But honestly, ratings don’t capture the full experience. What matters most is how the series delivers the emotions, the chemistry, and the storytelling. And so far, I’d say they’re doing a really good job.

Let’s talk about the acting for a moment. Winny as Lava is incredibly convincing. He has this realistic aura, and when you look into his eyes, they’re so cinematic — you can actually feel the emotions he’s trying to portray. Lava in the novel was already a complex character, and seeing Winny bring him to life on screen is such a rewarding experience for those of us who’ve read the book. He gives Lava both the cold, intimidating side and the vulnerable, human side, and he does it so naturally.

On the other hand, Wave is also perfectly cast. The actor really captures the essence of his character — the innocence, the stubbornness, and the gradual emotional shifts that make Wave such a unique role. The interactions between Lava and Wave already have this pull, and you can tell there’s so much more development coming in the next episodes.

What I really want to remind everyone is this: we’re only on the second episode. That’s literally just the beginning. You can’t expect the whole story or the deepest emotions to unfold right away. This is the kind of series that takes its time to build the characters and set up the big emotional payoffs. So for those who are disappointed or feel like “not much is happening” yet — please be patient. The novel itself had a slow build-up, but once things started moving, it became unforgettable. The same thing is happening here.

For me, it’s exciting to see the changes between the novel and the series. Sure, not everything is exactly the same, but that’s the point — it makes it even more interesting. Sometimes the writers make changes to fit the pacing of a series or to give new layers to the characters. It doesn’t mean it’s worse; it just means we get to experience the story in a different way.

So my advice? Don’t judge the show too quickly. The second episode is just a small glimpse of what’s to come. Trust me, the upcoming episodes will surprise you, and the story will only get better from here. Give it a chance, let yourself feel the emotions, and enjoy the journey ❤️‍🩹

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A little boring

By reading the synopsis of the drama Maid, one might expect it to be an interesting story. However, it wasn’t. The drama starts with a girl who is trapped inside a cage. She is confined by her stepsister, the legitimate daughter. The stepsister wants her to sleep with her husband, who is a prince. The stepsister doesn’t love her husband; she loves someone else. The female protagonist, the girl in the cage, complies because she has been threatened that if she doesn’t do as asked, her mother’s life will be at stake.

After giving birth, the stepsister, the prince’s wife, tries to kill both her and her mother. Her mother dies, but she manages to escape and vows to take revenge.

The story began on a promising note, but it quickly became messy. The middle part was boring, there was hardly any intense chemistry between the leads, and the ending was unjustified—even though it was a happy ending and concluded as mentioned in the synopsis.

Despite these flaws, I liked the acting of all the characters, especially the cruel stepsister.

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Forensic mystery and romance is surprisingly addictive.

The mix of forensic investigation and romance works way better than I thought it would. The FL is such a strong and clever lead, and watching her skillfully solve cases while navigating the tricky palace politics is honestly so satisfying, she’s smart, determined and never lets anyone underestimate her.
And the ML, I’m completely obsessed with his calm demeanor, intelligence and the moments when his genuine emotions peek through, especially in how he supports and trusts the FL in her investigations.
Their relationship is incredibly well-developed, filled with subtle glances, mutual respect, playful banter and emotional moments that make their connection feel natural and really engaging.
The story slows down a bit when they move to the capital but the romance and character development keep things interesting. I do get why some people have issues with pacing or the predictability later on but for me the first half alone was enough to make me binge. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a drama that balances mystery, emotional depth, and just a little bit of palace drama without going overboard. It’s the kind of drama that sticks with you long after the last episode ends.

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The right fluff that I was looking for after a very angst series!

Hey, why did this series get such low views? It's really impressive, especially for a short series!

The concept is very modern, and I love it! “Live in Husband”? That’s a refreshing plot for a c-drama. It stands out from the typical slapstick humor associated with many shows with this kind of plot, focusing on a casual, ordinary life with an engaging storyline.

The actors fit their roles perfectly, which is rare for a short drama. If you know what I mean! It portrays a lighthearted and casual c-drama that’s perfect to unwind with after a busy day. I really hope the cast gets more projects soon!

I love the couple dynamics. There’s no drama between the two daughters, and they have a great family dynamic! Since it’s a short series, it focuses on the four main characters, which I really appreciate. I also enjoy the vibe of the two male leads; their friendship is top-notch, and the bath scene really showcases that connection. This is a solid friendship! They each have their strengths, especially the two female leads.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if the roles were swapped (the general got married to the second daughter and vice versa), but that thought disappears the moment you see how fated they are to be with each other, ultimately becoming good friends.

Gosh, I love this short series!

If you just finished “Starry Love” and are feeling a bit of a hangover from it, then definitely watch this show. It offers fluffy moments and explores the “what ifs” when the two couples spend time together without the usual dilemmas. It beautifully illustrates the positive relationships between sisters and a brother-in-law. The parallels are great and made me realize why “Starry Love” stuck with me and why I watched it twice. This series provides the closure I needed to feel satisfied knowing that everything ends well and happily.

MUST WATCH!

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What happens when a Scorpio and a Capricorn get together (Again!)

This show was FAB. Not too many luls. Great twists! Even if you pin it down, there's always an extra detail to shock and delight. If you like angst, slow burns and bickering, this is the show for you. A very fun watch. I would recommend. I was screaming at the screen every other episode.

This show is essentially what happens when a Scorpio man and a Capricorn woman are in a relationship. Their priorities are in completely different directions. No communication just assumptions than actions because they think they know the other person so well. If they didn't love each other so much this would be a problem. I mean, I too would find it difficult to get back together with the husband I thought was coveting after my brother's beloved wife and I was personally getting out of a 17 year situationship. The romance was slow and sweet, but well earned when it finally came. The banter was a nice break between angst and political scheming. The chemistry between the leads was SO good. I do feel bad she never got her year of rest and relaxation.

However, where they lost me is when it was time to pick sides. Everyone says "if they could go back in time, they would kill xyz". But when Rongqing does it, it's a problem. I may be biased because I agree with him. Hell, in any other show, he would be the hero. From his perspective, if he knows in 10 years, that prince will kill everyone who knows and loves. Why would he allow that to happen? Only a fool does the same thing twice and expect different results. On top of that, the only two people in the world who also have this information are completely willing to let it happen again. Moreover, helping support it. He must feel like he's going crazy. Now everybody cares about "free will" and "letting destiny take its course" after they made made the changes THEY wanted. He's an Aquarius so he's very fair even though they REFUSE to empathize or compromise with him at all. Like why is it illegal to try something new??? (which they lowkey end up doing anyway)

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I'M SO PROUD OF ZHAO LUSI AND ALL THE CAST!

Tbh, I honestly didn’t expect this drama to air this year, but seeing Zhao Lusi take on such a mature and emotionally heavy role makes me so proud of her. She truly brought this character to life it feels like she’s personally going through every emotion, and that level of realism is rare.

She’s always been known for her funny and lighthearted roles, but with this drama, she’s proven that she’s so much more than that. She’s shown incredible depth and versatility, proving all her haters wrong that she’s not just a one-type actress, she can handle any role beautifully!

I really hope one day she’ll have the freedom to explore even more diverse roles and work with different teams, because she deserves it. I’m just so proud of how far she’s come, and I hope we’ll all continue to support her no matter what! ❤️

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A Promising Drama Undone by Its Ending

I was really disappointed with the way this drama ended. After investing in 53 episodes, I expected a stronger and more satisfying resolution, but the finale left too many unanswered questions and felt rushed and confusing. The pacing throughout the show sometimes dragged, and by the end, the story didn’t deliver the closure viewers deserved.

There were also some character arcs that felt wasted or underdeveloped, and certain choices didn’t feel true to the personalities we had come to know. It left me feeling more frustrated than fulfilled.

The only reason I’m rating it a 7/10 is because I genuinely enjoyed the leads, Shen Li Ge and Liu Yi Long, especially in the earlier episodes. Their chemistry carried much of the show, but unfortunately, the ending undercut what could have been a powerful conclusion.

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perfect

Really loved it (& i rarely give a 10/10, i gave Blue Whisper a 9.5)
it does NOT have any annoying toxic-ness other than the early seconds...(which is kind of needed for the plot to unfold）
its all green flag everywhere, all the positiveness kyaa >A<
good for people who like to watch some nice paced romance and WITHOUT all the crappy feels or feeling the hate for some character. and NOT boring or too slow at all, at least for me i find the pacing well made.
and its ending was so perfect it gave everyone the satisfying pink bubbles and butterflies. and GOSH how hard is it to get a perfectly good ending in any drama??? either u feel like dang, it's too short or dang it dragged out / BE or open end.

*spoilers below*
slow burn romance, there is a small misunderstanding here and there but nothing of the BIG annoying issue. there is no toxic character, everything solves smoothly and the story focus more on their romance and life more than any annoying extras side character or anything. The big reveal where she realized that how much he did for her was so sweet and the pacing was perfect. I couldn't skip anything (i sometimes do with short dramas like i skimped thru some）

The fl and the "crush" girl even had a honest to honest H2H talk. None of the rude crappy attitude. No annoying thick-face "ex-crush/lover" that persistently don't get a clue. After a few rejection, he regretted, but he let it go... he knows he did wrong and that he missed his chance.

The system was very sweet too it helped the FL & ML to get their perfect ending and even went against the rules. I SUPPORT THIS SYSTEM <3 . come on system deserved the 101% love. I really hate redo's that erases memory or timeline, and this ending i love it because they remember what they gone thru.. at least together.. and it just make it so sweet and perfect.

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