Genie, What A Mess
Can’t believe this show is getting praised. Sure, watch it if you want but don’t pretend it’s well-executed.This show has no red-thread direction, no depth, and is just a inconsistent mess. It tries to do way too much and ends up doing almost nothing well. The plot feels like it was written by a first grader—childish, chaotic, and totally lacking emotional depth or any clear structure. It’s like they threw every random idea into a pot and tried to make a good soup: genies, Satan, immortals, wish-making dogs and plenty of other sub plots. The soup tastes so bad I have no idea how the recipe got approved.
The tone in this drama switches so fast it’s dizzying. The devil guy, with his Korean-style humor and constant personality switches, doesn’t even carry the aura of a devil. The female lead isn’t layered either. And any romantic chemistry between them? Gone with the sand of the desert. He even lets the female lead beat him up for "laughs" even when it’s clearly abuse. (why is abuse being normalized and funny ?!) This drama should’ve been buried deeper than the lamp that started this mess of a story.
Don’t claim to originate from a culture if you’re not going to execute it properly. Plot holes:
This drama explicitly claims that Iblis originated from Arabic mythology, was found in Dubai, and has lived there for centuries. That’s not vague—it’s cultural. So if he’s been there for a thousand years, then he should reflect that in how he thinks, behaves, and expresses himself—not just toss in a nose-rubbing for LAUGHS and call it depth.
Some people are saying he acts Korean because he’s “universal.” But being universal means you adapt your face, your language, and your culture to the context. So why didn’t Iblis do that in Dubai? And yet he claims he didn’t know the nose-rubbing gesture wasn’t used in Korea—which makes no sense. If he truly knows every culture, he’d know that’s not a Korean greeting.
And let’s say he can’t adapt and isn’t universal—despite what the show claims—then he should at least reflect the culture he’s supposedly lived in for centuries. Yet all the mystical beings default to Korean appearances, Korean speech, and Korean behavior, no matter the setting.
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Original story
I liked this drama, the story was good and it was original. I had fun watching it and was looking foreward to each new episode.It had great visuals and good music.
Bad subs in first few episodes, later episodes had good subs.
I loved the combination of Japanese and Thai.
The acting was very good and both couples had good dynamics and chemistry with good kisses.
I will probably watch this again in the future.
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Conflicted in love
This story was not great, but it was different from most story's and entertaining even though it was a bit messy.A story about discovering an adoptive brother and falling in love. Not knowing who and what to choose.
Visuals and music were ok, the acting was good.
There was enough chemistry between the leads and the kisses were good.
Like i said, not a great story but worth the watch.
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Pure camp joy
Hana Kimi is an absolute batsh1t crazy delight of a series. What this drama does so well is combine zany over-the-top comedy with beautifully sincere emotion. Disbelief? Suspended. Tears? Overflowing. And mind you, I rarely give out 10 star ratings.I've watched this series around half a dozen times and each time I get something new out of it. This is a massive credit to the writers who have deeply invested in their characters and have perfected the art of multi-level subtext. When I first watched this series in my early teens, I enjoyed it entirely at face value, rolling with the easy gags and appreciating the romance triangle.
Now, in my late 20s, I've been loving all the queer shenanigans going on just beneath the surface of Hana Kimi. Sure, there's heaps of queer stuff happening openly throughout the series, but it's really hard to describe just how camp this show is. And unapologetically so too. Sure, there's some queerphobic tropes at play – certainly a product of the time – but these are smothered with the overwhelmingly camp energy of the production.
I don't think you could make a series like this now. I think it would be condemned for being too "cringe" among the younger Gen Z crowd. I also think it would struggle to emerge from what is currently a big cinematic pile of Literalism. Which is a shame because, as my username suggests, I appreciate TV that is just a little bit unhinged.
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Focusing on the characters' journey of growth and self-discovery.
The series tells the story of Ogawa Manami (Fumino Kimura), a serious and strict Japanese language teacher raised in a traditional home and with an arranged engagement. Her methodical life is turned upside down when she tries to rescue a student from a host club and ends up crossing paths with Kaoru (Raul), the club's number one host.What begins as an attempt to distance him from his student turns into a teacher-student relationship, as Kaoru hides a secret: he has great difficulty reading and writing, likely due to a neglected childhood and possibly a learning disability.
The central theme of the drama is not simply the "forbidden passion between a teacher and a host," but rather the idea that learning ("school") can happen at any age and that "love" is the path to redemption and the discovery of one's own identity. Manami finds in Kaoru the joy of teaching that she had lost, and Kaoru finds in Manami the support and encouragement she never had to confront her weaknesses and try a new life.
Critical Highlights
Reviews and reactions from Japanese audiences highlight several positive aspects of the drama:
1. High-quality Writing and Directing
First-rate Production: The drama is written by Yumiko Inoue and directed by Hiroshi Nishitani, the same duo behind such huge hits as "Hirugao" (which also explores forbidden love) and "Shiroi Kyotō." The quality of the script, which avoids the cliché of easy drama, was highly praised.
Depth: The script goes beyond physical attraction, exploring themes such as learning difficulties, toxic mothers ("Poison Parents" or "Doku-Oya"), social expectations, and the need for self-decision in life.
2. Captivating Performances
Fumino Kimura (Manami): She was praised for her subtle and nuanced performance. She successfully conveys the teacher's transformation from a repressed woman with low self-esteem to someone who finds joy in truly connecting with others through teaching.
Raul (Kaoru): His performance as the lonely and vulnerable host, who hides a deep need and the secret of not knowing how to read or write, was widely acclaimed. Critics praised his ability to convey the character's pain and sensitivity, especially when he has to "purposefully write sloppily" to simulate the difficulty.
3. The Journey of Mutual Growth
The beauty of the series lies in the evolution of the two protagonists. Manami is freed from the shackles of her family and social expectations, while Kaoru gains the strength to leave the nightlife behind and seek a more honest future, learning to read and write with Manami's help. The "school" becomes a microcosm of their relationship, where they both save and redeem each other.
4. Heartwarming Conclusion (Happy Ending)
Despite a painful separation moment near the end (where Kaoru, having failed his exam, pushes Manami away, not wanting to disappoint her), the series is considered by many to have a "beautiful and heartwarming happy ending." The moment Kaoru tries to write the word "愛" (Love) in the sand, still struggling with the line but with his heart full of Manami, symbolizes how much he has grown. The ending suggests that, although the future is uncertain, they have chosen to stay together and support each other.
In short, "Ai no, Gakkou" is considered a drama deeper than the "forbidden romance" cliché might suggest, being hailed as a "quiet masterpiece" focused on personal redemption and the transformative power of love and learning.
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Acting excellence and good chemistry
This is a really well acted, scripted and filmed series. All of the leads and secondary characters are relatable and believable. I would say one of the better series to come out in 2025 especially in comparison to the disappointing viewing of Journey of Legend. I am enjoying every episode and not fast forwarding through any of them. (Which for me is indicative of a truly gripping storyline and excellent in acting). Visually beautiful as well and the costuming is above par.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Revenge period drama with good screenplay. Exceeded my expectation.
I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas and wanted something different so I chose this historical drama. I had watched Zhao Yuan You when he played supporting roles in False Face and True Feelings and My Merman Brother. I must say that this drama exceeded my expectation because I didn't expect the twists.What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was seeking justice for her father who was killed by ML's mother. I liked that her revenge plan wasn't perfect but somehow people even strangers were willing to help her achieve her goal. I also liked that they got retribution.
2. Dynamics - Wow, good push & pull dynamics even without full-blown romance.
3. FL characterisation - FL assumed the role of a long lost relative of ML. I liked her determination to bring down ML's family for their wrongdoings. She had sympathy for ML after knowing that he was the nicest member of the family.
4. ML characterisation - ML was a scholar who smart, observant and nice. He didn't close one eye to the crimes committed by his family members - he investigated.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's maid and FL's fake mother who understood her intentions and agreed to support her cause.
6. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. Can we get season 2, please?
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was truly evil and impulsive. I was shocked she wasn't remorseful for killing an innocent healer. I'd say ML's father was his wife's accomplice because he covered the crime committed by his wife. ML's brother was a rapist and narcissist while ML's sister was a superficial spoilt brat.
Favourite scene
When FL's fake mother admitted to ML's mother that FL was her daughter
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Dai Gao Zheng
I know it's a bit shallow but good or no good I watched this series because of Dai Gao Zheng as you can read in my headline above. It's not the best series but Dai Gao Zheng is irresistible. There are many series he's been in which shows what a great actor he is note the flowers he's been given. Asian actors have exceptional visuals and he is one of the most handsome. Looking forward to his new releases so I will take the good with the bad..Was this review helpful to you?
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Feel-good fantasy with Humor
This was a really good watch in my opinion. it manages to strike a delicate balance between emotional storytelling and light-hearted charm — something not every show dares to do.While some viewers online have criticized the inclusion of “unnecessary scenes,” I saw those moments as deliberate choices — the kind of comic relief and human warmth that keep a story from feeling too heavy. Life isn’t all heartbreak and intensity; sometimes, laughter and absurdity are what make the emotional parts land even deeper. Those lighter scenes let the characters breathe, and they allow us, as the audience, to breathe with them.
The show excels in blending romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life elements without losing focus. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine — not overly dramatized, but natural and evolving. There’s a tenderness to their interactions, an almost whimsical rhythm that mirrors the show’s central theme: that magic often hides in everyday acts of kindness and connection.
Visually, Genie Make-A-Wish is stunning. The cinematography captures both the dreamlike quality of the genie world and the grounded realism of human emotion. The soundtrack ties it all together beautifully — soft, nostalgic, and sometimes playful, enhancing every mood without overpowering the story.
What I appreciated most, though, was the balance — between sorrow and joy, fantasy and reality, laughter and longing. The show doesn’t rush to deliver constant plot twists or tear-jerking moments; instead, it gives space for emotions to unfold naturally.
In the end, Genie Make-A-Wish isn’t trying to be a flawless, high-stakes thriller. It’s a feel-good, emotionally resonant fantasy about second chances, self-discovery, and love — and for me, that’s exactly what made it worth watching.
⭐ Final Thoughts: 8.5/10 – A heart-warming, beautifully balanced drama that reminds us that magic isn’t always about grandeur — sometimes, it’s about the small, meaningful moments that make us smile.
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SPOILER ?⭐
literally cried when i heard his voice AKCKSKSABJXBSJS i love love the plot twist : ( thank you BAYM for giving us another historical time slip drama !! truly one of the masterpiece but can we talk about the editing everytime they try a new food of cook yeon? I WAS IJBOLING LMFAOAOAOA ( i relate to it so much cz everytime i try a new food, i would be a sent to a another dimension )10/10. also love the side characters especially gilgeum-ssi <3 the sister relationship between her and cook yeon :P ++ except i hate the character of the superintendent ? you would really know that a villain played a good job when they did a good job at annoying u. the dishes def made me crave for it >< a good job also to yoona and chaemin for giving us the character of cook yeon and yiheon !!! cooking skills + acting + the EMOTION of lee chaemin is there ! especially the scene where cook yeon was returning to the present time.
Bon Appetit Your Majesty, Alchemy Of Souls, and Moon Lovers definitely sit at the same table! however, BAYM wasn't impactful as AOS and ML : ) there are some lacking qualities that aos and ml that doesn't have. i just couldn't identify what that is...
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Watch it without any expectations then it’s entertaining!
Geo-politics is always interesting to decipher in pop culture. I begin with this statement purely because of the extreme difference in opinions regarding the ‘supposed controversy’.One of my biggest take-aways from the first few episodes was, “damn! Korea and UAE are really amping up their collaboration game!” First with BTS’ JK performance, a steady rise in good quality influencers on either side of the planet, PSJ-CWS-PHS ad campaign and now a massive Netflix production with top stars (even the ones in cameo roles)!
Next few episodes I realized I should not look for plot holes or be disappointed by what was unfolding, cause it really felt like the scriptwriters didn't want it to be a very serious work of art either. With that out of the way, I started enjoying the Drama with all it’s comic punches.
They promised a Genie who was bumbling around in 2025 and Kim Woo Bin rolled with the character quite chaotically, all the while looking very fetching. ✅ They promised an unfeeling psychopathic female lead and Bae Suzy seemed like a perfect cast (Doona/Anna have already shown us she’s capable of playing such characters). And she delivers in style! ✅
Mythology is a very fav subject and genre of mine and I loved how they fused two very different cultural backgrounds into an entertaining story that’s completely believable as a kdramaland product - the feels, the vibes, the glam, a tasty bibimbap with lots of different things thrown in!
Personally, a tighter plot with less side stories would have been great along with more development in the original connection between the two nations. But that wasn’t the agenda, hence i’m not complaining at all.
If people accepted a sparkling Robert Pattinson vampire in Twilight, I'm absolutely not questioning a Genie called Iblis who makes you question why we are all rooting for ‘Satan’ who is clearly a very grey zone entity.
Let’s not turn everything in a religious battle OR expect commercial hits to win any critics awards.
Entertainment is sometimes, just for entertaining the masses. And that, I think, this drama managed to achieve in an acceptable capacity.
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Lighthearted Comfy Romance
I don't think this story meant to be an out-of-the-box story.The story / the plot itself might be typical, but the way they execute it is where it shines the most.
For me personally, this is the most comfortable Jimmy and Sea are with each other.
The closeness we see in their real life and behind the scenes really translates well into the scenes.
The playful but mature Thapfah who love to tease and shower Inthu with affection, and the shy, reserve but also strong willed Sea paired very well together.
While i do love the story of Last Twilight, due to the heavy nature of the story, i don't think i can just lightheartedly choose to rewatched it.
MMP is the kind of story that i could just pick up when i think i need something comfortable and fluffy to watch.
I really look forward to their next project!!
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This review may contain spoilers
one of the most enjoyable dramas I’ve watched in a very long time.
Have you ever watched a comfort drama?At first I wasn’t gonna watch extraordinary attorney Woo and I can’t even describe why this series was so wholesome so balanced it had romance mystery intrigue the justice system right wrong and really pulled all the emotions together in such a balanced way!
I’ve heard some people say there might be a season two. I’m really hoping that there is and they all focus on Yeong Woo but also the relationship of the two other attorneys I think that would be really interesting because there’s obviously more to Kwon Min U his character started to unfold nearer the end of the series and I definitely think enemies to lovers with him and Choi Soo Yeon!!
I just really liked how the whole series had a found family character growth sort of vibe to it. It’s one of the most enjoyable dramas I’ve watched in a very long time.
Jun Ho and Young Woo had such a beautiful connection the way that they interacted and it was just so wholesome to watch!
I love the dad‘s role and the way you could see he was nurturing but felt guilty and then the secret mum‘s role how she also felt guilt but it was kind of twisted and then the brother and no one really knows her secret yet so surely the secret will come out in season two because the owner of the law firm said “I’ll let you off easy this time” so that’s obviously not an end that obviously opens it up to another season?!
I found everybody’s role so special and I hope if there is a season two that they keep the same cast for the characters this probably isn’t a very detailed review but hopefully you can tell how much I enjoyed it and how it went through the judicial system as well as balancing emotional growth of the main characters and I think it dealt with Disabilities very well as well and their viewing society and the change in society it was all just very special !
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Amazing Follow-Up
This is a heavy story for sure. While there are some lighthearted/comedic scenes in between, it's undeniable that this is meant to be a melodrama.The story is so well written, while some of the character's reaction might seem very dramatic, it's still very believable and very in character of them to react like that.
What stood out for me the most is this is definitely a great follow up / step up from Vice Versa.
I loveeee Vice Versa, but i can't deny how there are some awkward acting there, BUT the range of emotion, the way Jimmysea potrayed it.... i can see their improvement. Both in their individual acting and their chemistry.
An improved acting and chemistry, combined with a heartfelt and melodramatic story, this is such a clapback to the people who still doubt them as actors and CP.
Great job to both them and the crews!
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Romance (Not) Fantasy
I maybe biased bc i love Jimmysea, but honestly, it's better to treat this as only Romance Drama, not a Fantasy Romance Drama, because the fantasy of multiverse is just an additional spice to this story.The casting is superb. I understand that some people might say Jimmysea is still awkward, but for most of the time they act their heart out here.
Both Jimmy and Sea's acting is very natural and enjoyable espescially when they interact with each other. And the eyes.... don't even get me started.
There are a lot of times that i even have to pause when i saw how they looked at each other.
This might not be their strongest portofolio, but it IS a strong start for both of them.
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