Reviews

I'm pleased to note...

I'm pleased to note that the drama is quite realistic in its portrayals of the young, ambitious CEO, professor, and assistant. They are highly educated and physically fit, with a desire to explore and implement new technologies, even relying on intuition. Given the country's successful economic development, it's likely this generation of leaders is working in big business. The drama depicts a company engaged in investment, the nuances of the work, the risks, and the betrayal of specialists who leave the company during difficult times. CEO Shi Yan created this company after leaving the family business and is forced to report to the elders and assume responsibility. I understood the business world because of my work, but if someone unfamiliar with it is not, I'm afraid the drama will seem boring. The journalists' work, however, was interesting; there was much new learning, but there was also some envy and backstabbing. The supporting couples are each engaging in their own way and have their place in the drama, but the actors failed to outshine the lead couple.  The drama's theme of friendship between the male leads is vibrant, as are the conversations they have at meetings, their support for each other, and the jokes themselves. The lead actors are a whole other story. Dylan is perfect as the CEO. He's slender, handsome, and not overly strong, but those kinds of actors often don't look convincing in such roles. Dylan, however, is amazing. He doesn't just read the script, he thinks and translates those thoughts onto the screen. His facial expressions help add emotion to the character. Dylan has the artistry and can surface, sometimes hidden behind sarcasm and sharp remarks in his verbal exchanges with Bai Lu's character. The actress is incredibly beautiful and delivers a unique performance, creating a harmonious couple in love. Anyone who enters this world of elegant everyday life and unique charm will be left with a lasting, pleasant aftertaste and a desire to watch again and again.

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I do not like trashy soap opera style BLs....

This series has the same problem as "Love in the Moonlight", with the exception that it was not painful to watch, just cringe. The overdramatized bad guys/gals and the excessive pathos was still the same. And what also obvious, they can't do action right. While it looks nicely coreographed especially in the beginning, you see that the punches do not connect in the slightest. I won't write about the shooting scenes which were just embarrassing.

The only positive I have to say is that DaouOffroad are very good when they act alone or in a serious setting, their chemistry just works. Also the other actors were not bad, but I don't like the overacting and over-dramatization. They could have done this in a serious more thriller-like setting and then the story would have had much more impact, But no, they went the thai way which in this case is bad way.

Spoiler:
The finale was also bad: Pheen has a plan and of course he does not tell his husband. We all know, he can't die, because a BL has to have a happy end (very few exeptions), so he left for a long time, hurting Than again (and again). The reason: Because he needed to change his name, so he can disappear. WTF? Is that, because he don't want to face the consequences of his actions? And he was already married, so he could have taken the name of his husband. And of course everyone dies, so there are no real consquences, no court session to exploit all the bad things the characters did. It's a lazy and cheap way of story-telling.
Edit: Of course the whole inheritance arc did not make any sense, because: if Pheem was decleared dead Than would have inherited the whole company with all the hospitals. Because he was the last legal heir before any uncles and cousins. So Pheem changing his name would not let him get away from his family background because his man would own EVERYTHING. And would be richer than he alone was. And because Than would then be famous Pheem could not be with him. So the writers had no clue what they wrote about and this makes no sense whatsoever.
End of Spoiler

So considering everything, this is not even a medicore show and I know many will hate me because I think so. But that's what I felt when I watched this and sadly this is also one of the shows I will never watch again, because it's a waste of my time.

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God it’s irreparably flawed, but I loved it.

I struggle so deeply with giving The Wicked Game this rating, as this was a drama I was truly enthralled with. Pheem’s characterization was incredibly strong and well-rounded, Offroad had a hell of a job with this character and he did fantastic with it.

Now, here’s where the issue lies. That ending. It was almost the same as Laws of Attraction. Also killing off everybody in that show except for Than and Pheem? So Risa was never actually brought to justice? It made everything we had been building to feel in vain, which is not a good feeling as a watcher. Just lazy writing that I’m quite disappointed with.

I really believe they should have made more episodes, because that final episode felt as though they were just trying to cram everything together in a horribly messy little bow.

Now, all that said. What a ride. I truly loved this show. Though I was disappointed with how it ended, I was locked in every episode that came out. It was edge of your seat drama and it was incredibly entertaining to watch the power plays that happened each week between the siblings. I wish Chet and Risa would have lived to the end to see what would happen to them. But at the same time, with the constant violence in that family, perhaps they were bound to wind up like this.

Oh, The Wicked Game, how I hate you and I love you. Oddly fitting given the dynamic between Than and Pheem. I look forward to the next one.

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There is something about how this drama was put together that hooked me from the very beginning. So much that I could overlook things that usually bother me like people talking to versions of themselves or poop jokes. Partly because they were done decently, partly because they actually forwarded the plot and partly because the characters where just so very lovable.

There is something about putting togeheter not just opposites but people from completely different places in life in a gruop based on mutual respect and an common interest. A group. that sees you and helps you grow all in a fun setting, adorable themes and even though some may seem slightly over the top they do not cross over to over the top pathetic annoying. Not even once. This is not an easy balance to maintain, especially in dramaland and with some of those acors. But somehow they managed to keep that balance. That alone made this worthy of en extra star. I love this club and would love to have one of those of my own even though I am not sure I would actually dare attend one.

The different ways to act as siblings in this is shown really well, and I must say fond siblings as well as biological siblings in this are some of dramalands best. The parents are some of dramalands worst (not something in the rain bad, but bad).

The romance in this is top, sweet, complicated, it has fun development and incorporates both playfulness, insecurity and shows different ways to find romance. But not only does it give me a romance addict the fix I need it also gives me different ways to love (outside of romance) as well as reasons to love even though it hurts.

Other things I love about this drama is the show of a bunch ways to feel insecure, fighting low self a steam, sthere is no quick fix and you can always relapse and self destruct. The show also manages how low self a steam is nurtured, what can make otherwise good girls lie, rebel and want to die.

So much good in this but not all, some parts are wrapped up to fast, specially the ending and family relations. Even though I said they managed to keep an okay balance I can not completely ignore the potentially annoying elements existence and some characters have moments of just a little bit to perfect.

Also I want a spin off with two of the best friends, preferably filmed a broad. ...

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✨Rebirth, Blood Magic & Vampire Aesthetics: A Love Letter to Peak C-Drama Chaos✨

Ok homies, this little chaos goblin of a mini-drama rolled up to my screen wearing a cloak of nostalgia, vampire cosplay, and the emotional bandwidth of a caffeinated squirrel… and somehow? It worked. It’s strangely familiar yet weirdly original, like the writers rummaged through a bargain bin of fantasy tropes, found pseudo-vampires, flower magic, and one extremely burgundy-flagged ML (that is secretly a devoted puppy), then said, “Yeah. This is dinner.”

It starts off with your classic “I died, now watch me destroy everyone with a polite smile” rebirth setup, but shortly it mutates — like a butterfly dipped in glitter and trauma—into something that absolutely insists on being its own category.

The writing? Surprisingly competent.
The pacing? Shockingly coherent… until it isn’t.
The vibes? A fever dream but make it premium.

But let’s get to the heart of the chaos:
The romance is not fluffy. Not cozy. Not even borderline cute. This is two unhinged intellectual gremlins flirting through warfare. It’s “I hate you, but also if you died I would demolish the entire kingdom” energy.
He’s openly not nice.
She matches his freak without even blinking.
Their interactions feel like a speed chess match where both players are cheating. Absolutely enthralling. Buuuut, to be fair… for all the knives, chaos, and emotional warfare, they do grow into a surprisingly wholesome, strangely tender duo in the latter part. And the ML? That man has been secretly in love with her since before the plot even woke up. Dreamy, chaotic sigh.

The trio of main characters is deliciously messy. No cardboard NPCs here. The 2ML walked in giving me “vanilla villain starter pack,” but he unfolded nicely into a morally-seasoned, jaded mess. Growth!

Now, because the drama gods enjoy mischief:
The editing sometimes snaps like a glowstick at a rave. The FL oscillates between “I’m a brilliant mastermind” and “Oopsie I tripped over my last neuron.”
They also styled her like a youthful auntie, which made both MLs look like they were her mischievous nephews auditioning for mischief scholarships.
Second half? The plot said, “Let’s soap opera this b*tch,” and suddenly everyone’s IQ took a lunch break. The FL stabs the ML a millions times and he behaves like durability is a hobby. At this point he should genuinely be classified as artisanal Swiss cheese.
And LET’S TALK about that same cabin by the waterfall. I swear that place needs its own IMDb page. It’s in EVERY drama. That place is the Eiffel Tower of dramaland at this point.

But listen: despite it all—
this SLAPS.
They knew their lane and sped down it with rhinestoned sunglasses and no seatbelt.

This drama is an enthusiastic little creature—messy, dramatic, self-aware, and fully committed to its vibe. With limited budget but boundless confidence, it gives you revenge, magic, morally injured men, funky editing, unhinged chemistry, and enough entertainment to keep you glued to the screen, as well as a well wrapped up happy ending for the leads.
Very much worth checking out—just bring an open mind, flexible expectations, and a sense of humor.

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never seen chemistry better than them

the chemistry has never chemistry-ed like jimmysea make it chemistry my good LORD they had me down BADDDD weeping sobbing clutching the pillow over them being apart for one MONTH. i feel like im watching a married couple enjoy their damn alone time as a third wheel their natural cadence with one another is UNMATCHED!!!! jimmy is purely in this industry to smooch sea and giggle with sea and tease sea and chortle with sea and fool around with sea and stare at sea and i STAND BY IT. i also love the way talay’s voice goes so high and whiny whenever puen annoys or teases him it made the character for me <3

ARGH I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEYRE EVERYTHING TO ME!!!!

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Hook, Line, and Sinker: Revenged Love Ensnares Viewer

How on earth did I fall in love with this drama?!

Somehow, some way, Revenged Love flew under my radar for so many months. Perhaps it's because I wasn't paying attention or wasn't looking to have my heart broken by another drama. But, I'm so glad I stumbled across it through a comment online... Once I started this drama I had to finish it – I was rushing home every night after work to sit down with these lovely characters.

I went into the drama innocent and with no expectations. But the main actors of both the A and B couples had such good chemistry, I was rooting for them from the start! The acting starts off a bit shaky and you understand that part of it is due to the offbeat tone of the show. Most of the time it strike the balance of funny and heartfelt just right. There were quite a few times where I laughed out loud at the goofy comedic scenes, and there were even more scenes where I was just choked up (or straight up crying) in the heavier scenes.

I love that within these 24 episode we get so much time to know these main characters' hearts and minds... they're imperfect people who have trouble expressing themselves properly, but who end up loving each other more and more as they overcome the difficulties. What's more, we see how they sacrifice for one another in small and big ways.

One thing that unfortunately put me off from the start was the depiction of use of the animals in the production. Some things are clearly (most probably) CGI effects, but I am always concerned as a viewer of the way animals are treated – whether real or not, especially if it's not pivotal to the scene's progression. For example, seeing them feed a live mouse to one of the snakes was unnecessary in my opinion. It may be natural animal behavior, but it's certainly not a necessary for the continuation of the plot or bigger meaning of the scene in any way. But that was just one or two instances in a rather well done show, so I overlook it. I hope that drama productions think more carefully about these things.

This is in no way a perfect drama. Some of the plot could be improved. A few moments in the sub stories could have been resolved better. Some of the naiveté of the characters could be written more maturely. I would have had more sensible dialogue about gay relationships that reflect more accurately. The villains could be made less like caricatures. Perhaps some of the aggression in certain scenes could have been handled better or edited or rewritten. As director, some scenes could have been redone and the acting moments improved a bit more. Things like that could have made this an even better success.

However, what holds this drama together is hands down the acting and the fun, heartwarming, tear-jerking love scenes (including the sensual ones) of all both couples. It will make you smile and laugh and cry and brood with them. A great rollercoaster. In these chaotic times in the world, this drama is one of the few this year that actually made me forget a lot of the troubles out there. Definitely worth the watch, and even some rewatching later on if I start missing these characters.

I feel part of the appeal of this drama is how well it lures you in with it seeming like just another piece of lighthearted fluff... and slowly... you're smiling ear to ear and falling more deeply for these people as they fall more madly (and it is madly) in love with one another. Well done!

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Tofu and Money

What a nice movie! House of the Seasons is a slow-paced meditation on a Korean family, portraying one year (from spring to winter) and four generations of family members living together. What we see here is the bond within the family—both in good times and in bad—and the movie also gives us foreigners a glimpse into the traditional Korean way of life. It is mesmerizing to observe and reflect on the traditional rituals and the dynamics between generations. There is a lot of dialogue in the movie, but the best moments for me were the silent portraits of people and nature, filled with gentle music. The changing of the seasons corresponds to the rhythm of family life (spring brings new life and opportunities, while winter points to death and loss). But life is bigger than one year and one generation, and after winter a new spring will come.

I would say that the director did a great job making this movie. It is not for everyone, but it has the potential to become a classic for future generations. The movie isn’t so much plot-driven as it is character-immersive, and the director uses the symbol of tofu to represent the building of a family. In contrast to tofu, there is also the symbol of money, which may divide the family.

I want to eat some tofu now and pray for my family.

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Better than expected

I kept my expectations very low when I started this, mainly because i can't seem to remember anything I watched for the main couple, and basically Mond was what had pulled me in to start it.

so I didn't know what to expect tbh~
That's why I enjoyed it despite being really slow burn with nothing going on and a very rushed end.

Story is nice, kinda expected but still the main couple were great, Lava had some character development that was enjoyable to watch, Wave on the other hand, despite being really nice characters, the whole memory loss thing is a bit too much, I think WaveXDavin should have a slight difference in character, like to have the same soul but slightly different, I don't know how to explain it in words but I couldn't believe the whole amnesia since I couldn't see any difference in behaviour, be that as it may, I loved Satang's performance.

What I didn't like is actually the pace, it was slow with literally just day to day life of the cast with things happening in the background, ignoring the main story or the main focus of it which is Wave's family and amnesia and what actually happened to him, still they had a fair amount of time showing their relationship in a slow burn way which - surprisingly - not boring at all.

But I wish they would include them in a scene or two showing what is happening with his family, to show that they are concerning about their child or at least searching for him, he is a prince for goodness sake, he is much important than they showed us, and that wouldn't necessarily be a problem, hadn't they show us the whole "you are the future of our family" sh!t at the last ep, and that he must gain people's trust and bla bla bla.

Another thing was how they squeezed everything in the last ep as if they didn't have a whole 9 episodes full of nothing to expand the last ep through.

Generally speaking, it was good drama, but if we looks into the details, this failed to show the whole potential of the very simple and predictable story that doesn't even require much thinking ~

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