Reviews

One of Jun Ho's Best!

This is definitely Jun Ho like you've never seen before ...
Some reviews were so brutal here, I'm not sure we were watching the same series. I found this drama to be so fantastic in every way. Jun Ho is masterful as always. For anyone who lost a parent and had to pick up the pieces of their lives and go on, this series shows us exactly that. In the beginning, you can't imagine Tae Pung taking over the family business for his recently departed dad, but not only does he transform himself, but everyone around him changes for the better as we get deeper into each episode.
Watching the two lead protagonists fight the evil and dishonest practices of the main antagonists, Hyeon Jun & Bak Ho (Pyo's Owners), it's exhausting to say the least. At times it gets a bit too overwhelming, watching the evil father and son get the best of Tae Jung over and over again ... but you know eventually things will change. It does take forever for this to happen, but don't give up hope. It really does happen!
Early on I couldn't see or feel the magic of Tae Jung & Mi Seon becoming a couple, but somehow it happens and becomes quite believable about halfway through the drama. They become perfectly matched, making for a one two punch tag team to keep Typhoon Trading alive. I think episode 8, the Thailand trip, is when it begins to show us anything is possible, especially seeing Jun Ho sing in English. That was definitely the pinnacle episode of the series. That's where everything started to gel with all the characters, and you could see and feel an unofficial family starting to bond.
Toward the end, I must admit I was hoping for a better demise of the wicked Hyeon Jun. Even though he gets what he deserves, it would have been nice to see the full retribution that was coming his way. The writers seem to leave that up to our imagination.
Throughout each episode, as things kept appearing to be so bleak for Typhoon Trading, one line used earlier on, seems to apply many times over... ... "stars still exist even when they can't be seen"
Don't give up hope!
Extremely enjoyable series with great performances to match!!

Read More

Well.....They finally won...?

I really loved Typhoon Family, everything from the story to the acting to the music, but something I just can't get over is how long it took for our main characters to actually have a solid win. Besides that, our leads, Lee Jun-ho and Kim Min-ha, were phenomenal. I loved their banter, their relationship before and while they were dating, and overall the actors' chemistry. This also goes for the rest of the Typhoon Trading staff; I love every single one of them even though some of their actions pissed me off lol. Going off into the rest of the characters, I really liked Nam Mo and Mi Ho because they were just so cute together, and I loved them as a couple. I also loved Mi Seon's entire household with her little brother, her grandma, and Tae Pung's mother. Overall I would say this show was very much worth the 8 weeks of watching, but I cannot say if I would watch it again!

Side note: The burgundy suit that Tae-Pung wears at the end looks SO GOOD OMG 😍

Read More

Wholesome storyline with captivating and adorable CPs | Insanely obsessive 2nd ML.

"Anyone who can endure what ordinary people cannot is not someone to be taken lightly." - Luo Elder Madam

Looking back at the whole narrative, I think this is the lightest drama I have watched in a while. It has some suspenseful and thrilling scenes, sure! However, what made me truly be at ease during those moments was the ever-reliable and trustworthy connection between the main characters. This is the type of story where, no matter how bad and messy the situation may be, you will still feel calm and relaxed. Simply because you know that the main characters speak and think as one, and that they can always turn any predicaments into triumphs and opportunities. In short, you will not be stressed by shallow conflicts and misunderstandings between the leads, as their maturity and prudence will spare you those cliche drama plots.

Honestly, I was quite displeased by how kind and considerate Wei Yining (FL) is, to the point that it became my primary issue with her character. This is because her acts of kindness and leniency often become an opportunity for her enemies to scheme against her. But then, as the story goes on, I realized that although she was like that, she is the type of person who will not allow herself to be trampled on. She is rational and mentally prepared for such situations and can typically formulate countermeasures to fight back against those people who want to bring harm along her way. Nonetheless, I wish she had been a little more firm in imposing consequential punishment immediately—even on their first attempts—instead of letting them get away with it.

I also just want to mention how I loved Wei Yining's birth plot so much. There was nothing special about it as it is commonly used, however, what made it so special was the satisfaction, pride and comfort it brought to the story. Imagine getting disowned for being an illegitimate child, only to find out that your father is a much powerful individual. Beyond that was him being a great father who's never afraid to show his immense love and affection towards Yining. When they try to bring her down by tarnishing her origin but she ended up soaring even higher! In addition, she got the greatest wedding perks I have ever seen in a drama. Marrying into the family she grew up in, so formalities and filial duties is no longer a burdensome obligation. Such a relief!

"Those who believe you will always believe you. Those who don't believe you won't change their mind no matter how hard you try to explain." - Wei Yining

Another topic I want to talk about is the family dynamics and synergy in this drama. It was deceptive and dysfunctional at first, but as time passed and as the people who caused harm were dealt with, the situation gradually became peaceful. Although it became less crowded and lively due to family members leaving to pursue what they want and for some other reasons, I am just glad that they were able to realize their misconducts and tried to make amends for it by taking a path where they can find peace and hopefully achieve greater things. That is why watching them reunite during Bao Er's (the lead's child) 1st month birthday celebration felt more meaningful and heartwarming to watch. I sincerely hope for them to find closure and peace for whatever issues they have had. Although I am still skeptical and doubtful of Luo Yilian, I just wish she really had changed /Crossfingers/.

Additionally, let me just mention how awkward yet adorable Luo Chengzhang (2nd master of Luo mansion) l inin trying to build his relationship with Lin Hairu (2nd mansion principal wife). I hope they can eventually become an affectionate couple. I still disdain Luo Chengzhang for being biased and hypocritical but seeing his progress makes me feel at ease. Lin Hairu, on the otherhand, deserves all the love and praise for being such a great sister and mother figure for the entire Luo Household. I love her character very much!

Lastly, I was lowkey hoping for a noble and mighty looking 2nd ML to contend the ML, but sadly we got a brazen and lunatic one... He's impertinent, persistent and obsessive. The only good thing he did is catching that arrow for her at the end. Satisfying death I would say. Bravo. Haha!

P.S. This show should be recommended to those fickle individuals who can't be contented. Hopefully, they can pick up a lesson or two from the outcomes of being tangled with more than one person and learn how to be faithful. This show just proves how turbulent and messy polygamy is.

Story - 9.5, What I loved most about this drama was its wholesome and gentle storyline and its ability to keep me comfortable, even during the chaotic conflict scenes. What I wish could have been better was for Wei Yining to be bolder and more retributive in granting judgment. I also noticed that they off-screened a ton of scenes; it would have been nicer if they had shown these on screen instead of the audience being surprised by events that had already occurred without our knowledge.
Acting/Cast - 10, ​I am satisfied with the actors and actresses and truly appreciate that they were able to capture the vibe the drama required. The kind characters look genuinely kind, while the bad characters look and act truly wicked. This show also made me appreciate Ren Min's beauty a lot.

Music - 10, The BGMs in this drama truly SLAP! Their placement was on point and blended perfectly with the mood of the scene. They were melodic, gentle, and comforting, which complements the scenes they're accompanying.

Rewatch Value - 9.5, It was light-hearted and wholesome, which made me genuinely enjoy watching it. Highly recommend, especially to people looking for a lighter and peaceful costume drama.

Overall - 9.5, The biggest selling point of this drama for me was its straightforward and stress-free storyline—a narrative that makes you feel at peace while watching it—and the lovely casts who livened up and brightened the entire show.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

Read More

Brilliant Start, Rushed and Disappointing Ending

When the series first started I was really excited, there was a lot of potential and the story concept itself was exciting. The acting isn't awful but I think with a little more workshop time put in and a stronger script the acting could have been better.

About halfway through it started to be less entertaining, maybe its because it was only 8 episodes long that I didn't feel there was enough emotion being felt through the acting, it started to feel more rushed and there wasn't enough push and pull from the love triangle-type thing they were pushing for.

The ending had me unbelievably disappointed, character deaths that left me feeling literally nothing. The characters seemed to just brush past it for being so in love/loving towards those that died? I think it could have been really meaningful to see a breakdown or two to really solidify the acting from the characters left. There was way too much that was left unsaid/unexplained/unseasoned for my taste. Peem showing up threw me for the biggest loop, and how Thara and Khun acted left me bewildered, there was no shock or emotion just an immediate 'you get the job' simply because he looked like Siwat, I assume the idea is Siwat reincarnated again? Somehow?

Overall, I thought it was okay, I just expected so much more from such a cool concept.
I do, however, hope to see the main three in other series in the future, I know this was Ongsa's first series and with a little more experience he could bring more personality to the characters he plays.

Read More

Detective team to the west!!

The detective team of Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, Pei Xijun, Chu Yingtao, Chicken Fei with Xue Huan on board for this season, once again they take us on a ride of suspense, mystery, conspiracies, woven in and around Chang'an along with opening a new business too.
All the actors were great in their performances. Once again, the teamwork of these 6 rocks!!
Although the whole team of 6 solve many cases, unravel sinisterous plots which are nothing but the thoughts of human hearts, somehow I felt that the cases were as not interesting as the first 2 seasons.
The cases somehow lacked to engage me in them.
But still, I would like to recommend to watch it.
It may not be a perfect sequel, but will not disappoint you too.
A good watch, but only for once!!

Read More

A Heartwarming, Healing Drama — Truly a “Family by Choice”

I finally finished Family by Choice and I’m so glad I decided to watch it now. I held off last year because I wanted to finish Go Ahead first, but Hwang In-yeop’s guesting on Dear X made me curious again... and honestly, no regrets.

This drama made me laugh, cry, and reflect on so many things about family, friendship, and love. It’s one of those shows that hugs you emotionally but also punches you when you least expect it. The life lessons were beautiful without feeling preachy, and the way the characters grew felt so real.

The main couple’s chemistry was amazing! Natural, warm, and so genuinely compatible that I found myself smiling at the smallest moments between them. Their relationship is one of the strongest parts of the drama. The acting across the entire cast was also superb. Everyone delivered, from the leads to the supporting characters. The found-family dynamic was especially touching and felt authentic.

What I love most is how the drama shows that family isn’t only about blood. Sometimes the people who choose to stay beside you are the real home you need. It’s comforting, bittersweet, and full of heart.

If you’re looking for a drama that’s emotional but healing, funny but meaningful, and full of relatable moments, Family by Choice is absolutely worth the watch. I wish I had seen it sooner… but watching it now felt just right.

Read More

********SPOLIERS****SPOILERS****SPOILERS****SPOILERS****SPOILERS****SPOILERS****SPOILERS********

Very average romcom drama with way too many filler episodes Could have been 12 eps. Episode 16 was a filler episode but I was glad that we got a wedding.

A lot of stuff pissed me off like Hwa Ran and her hatred of Gu Won for no other reason than him being born. I also, hated the was she treated her son. Scenes like that will always break my heart. The co-workers of both Da Eul and Pyung Hwa were the absolute worst. Also, Da Eul's husband and his family. It was all so unnecessarily farcical. I'm not even sure what the point any of it was. Just god awful humans the lot of them!

The best thing about this series is the chemistry between Jun Ho & Yoon A. So good. They were great together and played off each other well. I thought the romance elements were well done and I like that they didn't break up b/c of other people.

Standout performance was Ahn Se Ha as No Sang Sik. Hilarious but a very good friend to Gu Won.

11/30/25

Read More

Heartwarming , funny but a bit lacking...

a strong start that became flat till the end
in the first 2 episodes we see tae pong the playboy who is all about partying and wearing fashionable expensive clothes, however he has his own project which he wants to show his father to make him proud , yet he never get the chance as his father dies .

so here what went wrong for me
*The protagonist hyun jun and his father Mr pyo were way too weak for me hyun jun was just the spoiled brat who wanted his father's recognition, maybe Mr pyo was a stronger protagonist but didn't get enough screen time for some reason .

*The whole series we kept going in circles , It was a loop of tae poong making a deal and hyun jun sabotaging it then tae poong begging or making a deal with hyun jun father it kept repeating again and again till it became annoying .

the plot was rushed at many points in the series , even the romance wasn't focused on , it didn't focus on anything actually.

Read More

This story is about a small community and how people's lives has changed with every new advancement

I have started watching this show because of ZWY. But I instantly fell in love with main couple. The couple they are ideal and always has hardtime keeping up with changes. But their kindness towards others has always paid off

This show perfectly captures how children have always struggled to achieve their dreams and making those dreams into reality is one big task. But so far from the shows i watched this show has perfectly captured the filial piety.

And coming back to ZWY. i have only seen his historical dramas. But this one has proved he can potray any character beautifully in any modern setting.

Last but not least once you start watching this drama you will get too involved into this. Thats how characters are close to real worls and cast has played their roles very well.

Read More

STORY:
I finished this movie back in early ’22 and I haven’t been able to let it go since. Only reason I’m writing a review now, and not earlier, I guess is due to how impossibly raw it renders me and to be able to give my honest words I needed to revision it. A task easier said than done.
(I’ll be skipping certain parts and mainly focus on Naomi and Maki and their relationship.)

Wherever I read about this movie and peoples thoughts, it’s the same: ”How could Naomi”, ”The ending didn’t make sense”, ”I don’t understand what happened in the last 1/3” - that’s okey. It’s okey to not be able to grasp, or understand, why the movie went as it did. One factor might be that people come here expecting a ”BL” - I fear this is less of that, and more of a queer movie. Going in believing you’ll get the same turns as you’d normally get, this movie will be straight up disappointing.
No kissing, no on-the-nose confessions, no magically happy ending. It’s raw and honest and a story that, at least myself, have seen played out around me when someone closeted faces a part of themselves that they have never touched before.

To have it said - Naomi treated Maki awfully. Middle to end his own uncertainties, fears and insecurities bleed into what was (and had) formed between the two, finding violent, wordless means to express a want and need he didn’t know the language to.
Maki, on the contrary, knows himself. He knows that, the love and closeness he wants, isn’t conventional or easy to find. The pool scene where he expresses that he feels this force field around him, driving people away, was such a powerful way to open up to soemone he’s evidently grown to like without putting himself on blast would Naomi in fact NOT understand or take it well. In doing so did he also (unknowingly) give Naomi words that Naomi himself understood, finding himself able to confess that he, too, feel the same. For the story, this moment is huge.

Nothing has really ever made me feel the same way their "playfights ” did, even now years later. It’s straight up beautiful storytelling and it’s so sad, sadder than I think some people realise. Both that, for Naomi to know how to even begin to show physical affection, he had to resort to punches, is in and out of itself heartbreaking.
It speaks about how he’s been raised.
It shows how lack of understanding results in violence, fueled by enaourmous feelings needing an outlet, and also a hint to that - despite him having had a girlfriend - the feelings and needs aren’t the same. What he feels towards Maki is larger and burning, it’s scary and new and something he shouldn’t want, while what he felt for Kaho most certainly was affection, but not love and want in the same way: gentler, expected, socially accepted and without any risks. And so, he punches.
And for Maki, who takes it and plays into it - wants it just as bad - a sign that parts of him will allow anything as long as he isn’t just drifting alone anymore. If this is the way to get to hold and feel Naomi, then he’ll do it. To quote ”The perks of being a wallflower”: We accept the love we think we deserve. At the start, I fear he was terrified that this would blow over, to watch Naomi slip away again, that he hurled himslef into it all the same.

The real sorrow begins when Naomi can’t move past it, can’t allow it to grow into something gentler, while Maki starts to ask for that exact thing, no reassured that Naomi does feel the same as he does. ”But why can’t he?” Fear. He’s scared. Scared and confused and stuck between holding onto the version of himself who, while not perfect, is familiar and the version of himself he has no outlines for. How will his father react if he finds out? How will the town they live in? Can they stay? Is the only answer to hide what they have? What if Maki leaves, then what? Would it even be safe? So many things, but because he has no tools to voice his feelings, him and Maki never talk. Not really.
The closest he gets is when he admits he doesn’t understand.
And so the cycle continous and spiral, and he yet again resort to violent means by robbing in an attempt to get them abroad. This part especially, was what truly cemented that their story wouldn’t continue, no matter what happened. Because Maki is ready to wait, while to Naomi, if they don’t leave, he’ll never be able to give them a chance. I can’t say for certain, but I believe Naomi saw this as the one opportunity to try be with Maki. His one surge of bravery, knowing that if they stayed then he’d never dare again. And he doesn’t. He goes to jail, and he never leaves.

As for the ending, without spoiling too much, do I think it not only made sense but was an incredibly hard watch for all the right reasons. This is a story about discovering (and falling in) love, surrounded by an everyday that is both placid and hostile - not a love story. I couldn’t ever praise this piece enough.

ACTING/CASTING:
The casting of every character was brilliant. Even skill levels, excellent performances, a natural and realistic momentum to every scene and line delivered. Shuri (Maki) and Shion (Naomi) were incredible together, bouncing off of one another in outstanding ways and delivered a story that so easily can go on feeling tired, cringy and even boring.

MUSIC:
I love the soundtrack in this movie, it has such significant impact to the scenes and elevates them in that way only a good pick can. Giving it a 9 rather than 10 solely for the reason that I haven’t felt a need to find any of the pieces used afterwards.

REWATCH VALUE:
It’s a rough watch, because it doesn’t hodl your hand at any point, but it is most definetly worth seeing more than once.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
I’ve loved few movies the way I love "Let me hear it barefoot”. It’s a masterpiece that deserves to extend beyond japanese bl and when people speak of good queer movies, this one should be among the titles. I spoke very little of anything besides their relationship, which is shame on me, but teh side characters are all fleshed out and dynamic, their own little stories and lives feel so genuine and mapped out and help moving the story forward. It’s never stagnant and does the organic buildup so well.

Read More

A drama that shows hope and people' trust in you can help you survive all types of difficulties

I do think the charater development of ML is well written. I have seen how Kang tae poong character growth from spoiled rich kid into mature CEO and FL who as given up on dream because of crisis to strong person who have achieved her dreams

Even though the plot cliche's are repetitive but it shows diff problems seen in tading company at diff phases. Life is one repetitive circle and businesses are no exemption. But the businesses have playbooks to solve every problem. But here with ML adventurous personality and can do anything attitude has lead them into major hardtimes which are unusual but always ending up with satisfying success

I also like how they showed experienced people who have flaunted their knowledge and superiority can mess up big time and has to learn the lessons hardway

I also like how IMF crisis has been potrayed. It not about people losing everything but how this person actually turns out especially when they are in crisis situation

So far the pace was good from EP 1 -14. But the plot has been inconsistent at the end but i do like the second half of ep 16

I would definitely recommend this to watch this show at winter break at your leisure time who is ready to watch a show based on characters and their individual stories

Read More

The elephant in the room got too big to ignore

This movie had the potential to be really great. Visually stunning with great camerawork that really emphasizes the good acting, it uses music and visuals to create a calm atmosphere with shifting nuances of release or tension. The criminal case it presented was very predictable, but interesting enough in its details.

However, I always have to deduct points en masse when movies don't excel at the one thing they are based on. In this case, that's the depiction of autism*. Let this be your warning that this attempted to be a heartwarming movie about a struggling lawer and a girl with a mental disability rather than a crime thriller.

If I was being mean, I'd suggest the writers were autistic themselves, since they apparently liked ticking off boxes on lists so meticously. We have all the stereotypes you could imagine, added a couple of typical crime plots and topped it off with throwing realism out the window whenever inconvenient.

(Disclaimer: I am autistic myself)
The elephant in the room - Autism:
The main character has Asperger's, obviously, because there's no other forms of autism. She has trouble understanding her surroundings so much that she is barely able to interact with other people unless they make a grand effort to get through to her. That is realistic, as everyone knows autistic people live in their own world, can't use emphasis when speaking and struggle reading facial expressions. They don't understand irony or sarcasm and can't lie. BUT they make up for all their "deficits" by having superpower-like abilities in mathematics, language or hypersensitivity that end up saving the day. *irony off*
Let's add some ableist language like talking away issues, using generalising phrases or pretending to know better, advocating for people who didn't ask to be advocated for.
I already knew it was utopic to wish to feel represented by a movie this heavily focused on autistic struggles, but this movie really ticked all the boxes on how to NOT approach the topic. It's not especially bad compared to other media, but it's also not better than them in the slightest. It's not like nobody with autism acts like the FL does, hence you could say it was realistic - down to the ableist approaches everyone took at her. Still, the disability is a mere plot device and handled with the same care as all other plot devices employed. As someone sensitized to the topic, I couldn't help but feel annoyed whenever I was able to cross off another stereotype or trope on my mental checklist. I'm tired of getting served the same old three streotypes in a "heartwarming bonding" trenchcoat.

What everyone else looks at - Plot:
Now, if you don't mind breezing through a couple of standards in good quality and don't specifically care about considerate portrayal of disabilities, this is still a good movie. But... is it?
Plot-wise, they attempted too little in too few time. We have the crime to solve, obviously, that then also has to be negotiated in court. On top of that, our main lead lawyer has to deal with a bunch of issues at home whilst facing a crisis at his job, leading him to also lose his closest friend (whose problems are hinted at as well), all while trying to befriend a girl with autism which he knows nothing about. Said girl obviously has her own struggles, too, which we also get insight into. While all these aspects are connected with each other quite skillfully, the balance between them didn't sit right to me. Neither the crime plot nor the development of the relationship between the two mains got the emphasis they deserved.
If this movie had focused just a little less on portraying something they obviously didn't know how to handle properly, it could have been a great plot with complexity and thoroughly characterised characters.

Tl;Dr - Conclusion:
This was still a good movie, and until approximately the last 20 minutes, I was able to focus fully on what was happening on screen. The way it was filmed and edited really helped to protray atmosphere and emotionality, hence gripping and holding my interest. Whether you will feel the main characters actually form a bond or stay somewhat distant will be up to you. What it's not is a good crime movie or a good representation of disabilities. If you leave your inner detective at home where you also store away your courtroom knowledge, chances are you'll highly enjoy watching.

*PS: I don't hold any firm view on the disability-first vs. person-first debate, hence I used both versions as I saw fit.

Read More