Reviews

Epic yandere romance disguised as heartbreaking tale of dysfunctional love.

This story brings yandere love down to a street-level, where it doesn't feel like the mythical obsessive character of anime, but rather like someone you might brush with in real life. It tones it down and explains it, without attempting to justify it. This is - at least to my mind - a heartbreaking tale of 3 people who are all to one degree or another yandere. It all seems so innocuous at first, but by the time the movie is over, you can see the outline of an epic, twisted tale lying beneath it that was never really shown, and yet there it is.

I say 'a heartbreaking tale' because I have a fairly healthy psyche, and it just pains me to see victims of child abuse grow up into such confused people with so much pain, trying to cope with no one to rely on. It's not that the story itself is heartbreaking, just that the characters are.

There is a lot more going on psychologically than what the movie shows you, and you have to infer or extrapolate it. For instance someone is talking to cops, and they are describing a violent act that occurred. But the movie never shows it. In this sense, there are deeper inferences in this story than just what you get on the surface, and some pieces you have to put together yourself. Other things are shown in greater detail, such as piercings, fights, or certain intimate scenes. But though there are several intimate moments between the characters throughout the story, you aren't shown all of them like a smut film. You are only shown certain moments, so it's not as gratuitous as it seems at first. The explicit nature of some intimate scenes are done in a way to portray sensuality and pain being two sides of the same coin.

As an S&M romance this isn't my cup of tea. But as an occasional student of abnormal psych, I can at least understand it. However, aside from being a romance, this is also a sort of mystery plot (I suppose you could say?), and that part was fun to me. The story needed a great deal of depth coming from the characters for it to work, and these actors did a really great job. With lesser actors this probably would have been unwatchable.

And then there's the ending. For some people who are really really in love with truly yandere ML, this might be seen as an HE. Other people are only going to see the OE that it shows you on the surface. Or think that the HE is just way too sinister and mentally back away from actually calling it an HE or seeing it as one. I personally didn't like the ending because I view the idea of penning some poetic/mysterious/vague lines and slapping an OE on a story a copout. I really do. I know it's a distinctly 'Japanese' thing to do and is not that uncommon an ending in a Japanese tale, but I'm sorry I don't like it. I find it very low-effort and too simplistic. But that is what they did here, and I was mildly displeased with it.

This IS worth a one-time watch at minimum, so I gave it a 7.5 because it's decent. The direction and production were spot on, the styling was great, the actors were excellent.

The basic story is awesome af, but I don't like the way that story was fleshed out by the original novel author. The novel did win awards and receive critical acclaim, but it was written by a very very young adult and to me that shows. I think the story would have been a stronger one if it had had a stronger author with more experience and weight. But the fact remains that the plot itself - which is truly artistically awesome af - was penned by that very same author so it's a take it or leave it situation. I think this story would absolutely SLAY with a good solid rewrite.

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Alice in Borderland Review

Alice in Borderland is a Japanese sci-fi thriller drama adapted from Haro Aso’s manga of the same name. The live-action Netflix series first released in 2020 and quickly gained global recognition for its intense survival-game concept, gripping storytelling, and psychological depth. With its blend of action, suspense, and emotion, it stands out as one of the most memorable additions to the survival game genre.

The story begins with Arisu (Kento Yamazaki), a disillusioned young man who spends his days buried in video games and feels alienated from society. Alongside his friends Karube and Chota, Arisu suddenly finds himself in a deserted version of Tokyo after a mysterious event. The city, once bustling with people, is now eerily empty. Soon, they discover that they must participate in deadly games to survive, with each game testing not only physical ability but also mental sharpness, emotional strength, and trust in others. Failure to win means instant death, while victory grants them “visas” that extend their stay in this bizarre new world.

One of the strongest aspects of Alice in Borderland is the clever design of its games. Each game is tied to a playing card suit—hearts test emotions, spades demand strength, clubs require teamwork, and diamonds challenge intelligence. This system adds variety and depth, ensuring no two episodes feel alike. The heart-based games, in particular, are devastating, pushing players into impossible moral dilemmas that leave a lasting emotional impact.

Kento Yamazaki delivers a compelling performance as Arisu, portraying him as vulnerable yet resilient. His transformation from an aimless gamer into a leader who learns to value life and relationships is one of the central arcs of the series. Tao Tsuchiya as Usagi, a skilled and determined climber, complements Arisu perfectly. Their chemistry is subtle yet touching, offering a human anchor amidst the chaos. Supporting characters like Karube, Chota, and later figures such as Kuina and Chishiya, enrich the narrative with their own backstories and motivations, showing that every participant carries emotional baggage into the games.

Visually, the show is stunning. The abandoned Tokyo setting is both haunting and beautiful, giving the series a post-apocalyptic atmosphere without relying on clichés. The cinematography during the games heightens tension, often leaving viewers at the edge of their seats. Combined with sharp pacing and well-executed cliffhangers, the series becomes incredibly binge-worthy.

What truly makes Alice in Borderland more than just a survival thriller is its philosophical undertone. Beneath the violence and mind games lies a meditation on the value of life, the fragility of human relationships, and the desperate desire to find meaning in a world stripped of normality. Questions about morality, sacrifice, and survival are raised in ways that stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

While the show does indulge in some familiar survival-game tropes and occasionally leans on melodrama, its strong character work and inventive storytelling keep it fresh and engaging.

In conclusion, Alice in Borderland is a thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking series that goes beyond its genre expectations. With its clever games, powerful performances, and deep themes, it isn’t just entertainment—it’s a haunting exploration of what it means to live.

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Spoiler

The first few episodes were really fun. The ML paying attention to every little expression and the FL constantly switching roles for her lies were genuinely hilarious. I thought the whole drama would keep this light and logical tone. But then, I had to watch Si Da’s ridiculous career arc. Until the very last episode, he was madly in love with Rounan, and honestly, it was the worst portrayal of unrequited love I’ve ever seen. I was as happy about the girl who loved Si Da finally giving up on him as I’ve ever been about anything in this drama.

This show gave me 43 episodes of how the entertainment industry works, and barely any meaningful romance. Would rather give me a heartfelt love story than endless shots of Si Da’s career. The main plot of the ML constantly remembering his ex and breaking up with the FL happened at least 300 times. The drama only started to become somewhat tolerable after episode 23—not good, but at least not unwatchable.

The second couple was actually very sweet, and probably the only thing I truly enjoyed here. By the finale, I literally fell asleep while watching. Maybe I fainted, I don’t know. I only watched this drama because of a bet with my cousin, who promised to make me watch a “bad drama” if I lost. To be fair, it wasn’t the absolute worst pick, but still—overall, it was terrible, with very few good scenes.

Don’t watch this, and definitely don’t make others watch it.

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RESONANT JOURNEY OF LOVE AND LOSS

I found myself attached to the characters from the very start. Ae Sun's journey is written beautifully. She feels real, flawed, and achingly true to life. Geum Myeong, her daughter was another I loved. She reminded me of Ae Sun, ambitious, full of hope, yet weighed down by choices and circumstances.

What makes this drama so special is honesty. It doesn't romanticized life, it shows the pain, the losses, and the regrets, but also the beauty of love that lasts even through hardship. This drama reminded me that even if life isn't perfect, it can still be meaningful and full of love. I liked the reincarnation hint and the ending was satisfying.

Kudos to the production team and the casts. The direction was tender yet moving, letting silence speak as much words. And the writing was honest and heartbreaking, and made this story linger with me for a long time.

Plot 9.5/10
Acting and Characters 10/10
Cinematography 10/10
Writing 10/10
Pacing 8.5/10
OST/Score 9/10

Overall 9.5/10

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She really rise like a Phoenix

I love this drama because the FL is not only very beautiful but intelligent and resourceful and talented. The ML Prince is so handsome. How I love to kiss his lips.
The twists and turns of the story are very nice. I love that the two sisters have reconciled and stopped treating each other as enemies. The politics and competitions in the palace were cruel and intense. Glad that the FL was able to go through them with prudence and brilliant plans. She is a very shrewd tactician.
Glad that the ML loved the FL from the very beginning.
The Queen Mother is also loving and protective of the FL.
I love to hear at the end that the Prince stated: "It doesn't matter anymore whether you are my savior or not. I love you."
Their acting are simple but effective.

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Bai Jing Ting back to what he excels at!

It’s been a long time since I truly enjoyed a BJT drama. After Rest and You Are My Hero, most of BJT’s recent period male lead roles haven’t quite resonated with me. I personally think BJT shines in modern, action-packed dramas.

I loved that the story sets in a fictional city with all these accents thrown at you. The storyline is so engaging that I lost 5 days of sleep watching this! It’s packed with action, sprinkled with just the right amount of romance and humor. Not a single episode felt draggy. I do wish there had been more screen time for the supporting characters, but overall, the execution was top-notch. This drama is easily one of the best of 2025!

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Solid plot, solid cast, great music

The music is quite iconic, I didn't even realize how distinct it was until I saw the reference in We Are the Series. Scrubb is a great band also, so there's not really much to criticize there.

A bit ironic that I rated the rewatch value lower than the other ratings, but it's because I had to rewatch it because I didn't really remember anything except for the music. Maybe my memory is really bad, but although the plot is interesting and funny during the watching process, the takeaway isn't as significant.

Green is...uh...a character, to say the least. He's absolutely so much worse in the novel.

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Cute Characters, Rushed Plot

The drama is overall quite good, though not without flaws. Some characters made it especially cute and enjoyable-particularly Muffin, whose fun and cheerful personality added lightness to every scene, and Phai, who balanced things out with her

seriousness and grounding presence.

The leads, Guy and Thiu, had great chemistry that kept the story engaging. However, certain parts of the plot felt rushed, with some events skipped as if the scenario was cut in half. Despite that, it remains an entertaining watch, especially if you're looking for lighthearted moments, laughter, and simple enjoyment.

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First Lady: Political Drama? No. Just a Cheap Melodrama with a Presidential Backdrop

The show starts with the couple when they were young and then—bam!—a 15-year time jump without warning. The result? You feel nothing for the characters. It’s called First Lady, yet the president barely shows up: one accident, a couple of photos, and a never-ending speech. He’s a ghost in his own story.

This reeks of lazy feminism: he’s reduced to nothing while she’s portrayed as the ultimate heroine. They even show a recovery video that plays like a campaign ad—he’s broken, she saves him. The message is clear: without the First Lady, there is no president. That’s not politics; that’s poorly packaged empowerment.

What’s left is just cheap melodrama—divorce, affairs, family quarrels dressed up with presidential flags. Add to that the ridiculousness: a seven-minute “real” speech (if I can’t stand real politicians, why would I listen to a fictional Korean one?), presidential security that’s a joke—even a K-pop idol has more bodyguards—and scenes that border on parody. In one rally, they arrest an attacker but still let him chat with her… just to spit in her face.

And the final blow: the crowd chants ‘Kiss, kiss!’, they kiss for the cameras… and right there the president tells her: ‘Let’s get a divorce.’ Political intrigue? No. This is just a bad soap opera with presidential lighting

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MY TAKE ON WEAK HERO CLASS 2

I went into this Class 2 expecting new protagonists and new villains, and honestly, these new characters did not disappoint me. The new characters had substance and personality that stuck with me. Si Eun as always nails this nonchalant yet depressive character. He carries so much with so little, and still hits. My boy Seong Jae though was the stand out for me. He's complicated and really gives off anti hero energy that makes you like him.

The OST is still a vibe. Just like in Class 1, it leans heavy on that melancholic, depressive vibe, but it's still a banger.

What kind of pulled me out though was the change in tone. Class 1 was dark and heavy all the way through, so I wasn't expecting the added humor in this one. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it felt overdone. And because of that, Baek Jin's death didn't land with the same emotional impact it should have. It didn't feel real to me and I think that's where the tonal shift downplay the seriousness. I try not to compare it to Class 1 but the change in tone definitely ruined the experience for me, at least a little. Still, I can understand why they added those lighter moments, to make it more entertaining and easier to digest for a broader audience. That said, I can't knock off the performances. The cast absolutely carried the show.

This drama didn't hit me as hard as the Class 1, but still left me impressed. The new characters, the OST, the performances, they all delivered. The tone shift wasn't for me, but it didn't erase how much I enjoyed watching the story expand and seeing these characters evolve.

Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 8.5/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 7/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 8/10

Overall 8/10

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Deadly Night Flame is a romance miniseries with Wang Xuan (as Zhou Li Cheng) and He Shi (as Jiang Wan Zhi) in the leading couple’s role. This miniseries is one more adaptation from the web novel "Jing Zhi Yu Ye" by Tan Qing Zhu. The cast did a decent job bringing their characters to life and the leading couple had a lot of sensual and intimate scenes but there was not a good chemistry between them. Although the male lead put forth some acceptable level of effort, the same can’t be said from Wang Xuan who seemed distant from the scenes and there was no warmth on her ice. Without getting too deep into China’s cultural divide, it is possible that some actors are intimidated by social norms. So far, I’ve only seen two adaptations: Zhi Zhi Fu Zhi Zhi 2025 with Ke Chun and Zhai Yi Ying and this one. Between Ke Chun and Zhang Yi Ying the level of discomfort from the leading lady was more subtle but her facial expressions and her eyes were also not as warm. Overall, Deadly Night Flame is a nice drama to watch while waiting for a great one to come. You can find other adaptations taken from a list given on MDL page for this drama as listed:
Jing Zhi Yu Ye (Chinese adaptation)
Utterly Submit (Chinese adaptation)
Jiao Gu Zhi Chen (Chinese adaptation)
Zhang Xin Jiao Zhi (Chinese adaptation)
Burning Love, Unblemished (Chinese adaptation)
The Moonlight Never Falls (Chinese adaptation)
Xi Men Li Chen Du Chong Wo (Chinese adaptation)
Jiu Ai Chong Feng Qi Meng (Chinese adaptation)
Zhi Zhi Fu Zhi Zhi (Chinese adaptation)
Wanzhi Couldn't Sleep (Chinese adaptation)
Ta De Xiao Jing Zhi (Chinese adaptation)

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Best Thriller, Mystery Cdrama of 2025

The word “masterpiece” is gradually turning into a cheap word. Whenever people like some content or their fav actors content, they quickly label it as a masterpiece.

Anyway, the content I’m going to talk about today—whether it’s a masterpiece or not, I can’t say for sure. But what I can say is that it’s really good, unique, and highly enjoyable. It manages to grab your attention within the first few minutes of the first episode and keeps you hooked until the very end.

I’m talking about a new 16-episode Chinese drama called “Mobius.” It’s a sci-fi, mystery-thriller drama with a great mix of action and comedy.

I really liked this drama. The first episode was so good that I rewatched it before moving on to the second. It felt like a “budget-burning” episode. I loved every single action scene, so much so that I ended up watching each of them twice.

The camera work, color grading, and background music were all impressive. But the strongest aspect of this drama is its story layering. I really enjoyed how the background stories were presented so effectively within a short time.

And the best part—it’s not one of those messy time-loop stories. Every single question of the audience gets answered, and that too at the perfect time, in my opinion. While enjoying the show, viewers will also feel eager to know how everything will unfold. Questions will keep piling up in the mind, but eventually, all the dots will connect seamlessly.

Bai Jingting played yet another police officer role here—making it his fourth one. Each role had its own unique vibe, and he nailed them every time. As always, his acting was excellent here as well. In fact, I think every actor and actress in this drama delivered their roles really well.

This drama is an irresistible combo of action, comedy, mystery, suspense, thriller, and sci-fi. With fewer episodes and shorter duration, it feels like the best deal. You know the saying—“worth every penny”? For me, this drama truly felt like a worth every penny kind of series.

To conclude, if you enjoy this type of content, you should definitely give it a try. And if you like it, you can also watch another drama of the same genre and same actor called “Reset” (15 episodes).

Chinese Drama: Mobius
Episodes: 16 (40 min. each)

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This series is a masterpiece

This series is truly a chef’s kiss — every scene, every detail, and every character feels so well-crafted that it leaves me in awe. I genuinely feel so lucky to be living in this era where I get to experience something this beautiful and meaningful. Not everyone gets the chance to watch a series that resonates so deeply, and I can honestly say that this one has touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect. It is rare to find a show that combines stunning storytelling, emotional depth, and such brilliant acting all at once, and yet this series delivers everything perfectly.

The emotions it brings out are simply unforgettable. There are moments that make you laugh, scenes that make you cry, and dialogues that stay with you long after the episode ends. Every twist feels intentional, every line holds weight, and every character has a purpose. It’s more than just entertainment — it’s art, and it speaks to the heart of anyone who takes the time to truly watch and feel it.

I want to take this moment to sincerely thank the directors, the author, and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to create this masterpiece. Your dedication and creativity have given us something that we can treasure forever. Without your vision, passion, and talent, this story would not have come alive in such a powerful way.

This series is not just something I’ll watch once and forget. It’s a story I will revisit, recommend, and cherish. I am grateful to witness it, and I know it will continue to inspire and touch many others for years to come. Thank you again for this wonderful gift. ♥♥

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Pretty Good

I really enjoyed this drama. The story is engaging, the plot is well-structured, and the OST fits perfectly with the mood. The acting, especially from the main couple, is outstanding—they portrayed their characters almost flawlessly and with such natural chemistry.

However, some of the supporting characters still feel a bit stiff. Also, the setting relies too much on indoor scenes, which makes it a little monotonous. The fight scenes are not very impressive either—maybe because the battles are based on pheromones instead of physical combat, but it still feels like it lacks impact on screen.

Overall, it’s still a very enjoyable drama. If the production team can improve the outdoor scenes and make the fight sequences more dynamic, it would definitely take the show to the next level.

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