Reviews

Hats off to the whole team for bringing this amazing drama and waking me up from Kdrama slump !!

I started with no hopes at all but I shocked by how invested I was by the end if the 1st episode. it kept getting better and better. Maybe its not for everyone because the food was the life of this drama but it worked for me. I was hooked till last and I am happy I chose to watch this.

Chae Min was magnificient in this one. I hope he gets more scripts like this with good stories and likeable characters. For those who say that it was filled with fillers, I dont agree with them. Try it and you won't regret for sure. If not for the story then for the actors because everyone did an amazing job !!

Read More

The real prophecy was fluff all along!

Some dramas want to challenge the world, and some just want to make you smile after a long day. My magic prophecy belongs to the 2nd camp.
It's light and happy to live in the land of fluff.

The premise uses tarot card-inspired themes. Each episode is named after a card, hinting at what is coming, which is unique in my opinion, but the drama doesn't focus much on fantasy. In my head, I thought they would lean into a puzzle box narrative with heavy mythology of tarot cards, but they settled for a simpler story. Again, which wasn't bad, but I feel they missed on this.

The story is also pretty straightforward. It follows the journey of Thap, a skeptical ICU doctor who doesn't believe in fortune-telling, and Inthu, a tarot card reader. When Inthu predicts a streak of bad luck for Thap that could lead to his death, he begrudgingly decides to believe him and they seek shelter in Inthu's hometown.
The chemistry between the leads is the biggest strength here. It is warm, cosy and healing. I enjoyed their initial banter and gentle arguments. But since no BL is complete without one of the leads having a traumatic past, this was no different. Inthu had demons of his own to deal with, and what I loved the most was how Thap broke those walls slowly and gently. Somehow, everything clicked naturally and every tiny moment built up to something emotional.

It was very sweet and comforting but it was also very safe. This is where my disappointment comes. When I see a fantasy element mentioned as the primary plot device, I expect it to be present and used to actually make a difference in the story and not just episode titles. While the tarot gimmick adds a unique wrapper to the story, it was underdeveloped. I kept waiting for the fantasy to sweep me away, but it ended up buried beneath all the romance and fluff.

Coming to the second couple, while I do like the pairing, they felt more like an afterthought. They were sweet and we did have cute moments, but they didn't get much development.

Also, there’s an attempted murder mystery plot lurking around, but honestly… I called the antagonist by episode 3. Even if I give myself a slow clap for that and move on, the story barely cared about the subplot anyway.

Acting-wise, Sea wins the award for me. All the emotional scenes of him breaking down had me in near tears too. It felt messy and painfully real. Jimmy also complimented him well though I found him a bit stiff at times...nothing really too distracting though. I liked Save's acting here, even though his character as the Inspector was a bit foolish at times. I am looking forward to seeing him more. Franc was also decent, though whenever he had a scene with Save just bantering around, he always had this smile on his face which was awkward. I am not sure if it was intended that way. Also, I loved Junior's performance here even though it was very brief.

Production and cinematography are bright and easy on the eyes. I liked the whole countryside setting and the hospital scenes did feel real. It's a GMM TV production, I don't think budget is an issue for them.

Overall, for the fluff, it absolutely delivered...I had fun, I smiled and I even teared up a little. I rated it for what it actually gave me. But beyond that, it doesn’t bring much new or fresh to the table. The story plays it safe, the fantasy elements never fully bloom and the subplots feel undercooked. It’s sweet and satisfying in the moment, but not something that will stand out among the more memorable BLs.
I would recommend it if you enjoy fluff with healing vibes. Just don't go in expecting complex plotlines or mind-blowing twists.

Thank you for reading my review! <3

Read More

So fun

The chemistry between the leads is amazing and enjoyable to watch. The plot is engaging as well. I loved learning about each other, the characters' backstories, and why they act the way that they do. I also enjoyed watching them figure out how to get out of difficult situations together. Lastly, I really liked how the majority of the conflicts between the leads did not drag out too long, and they were separated from each other for long. If you are looking for something entertaining to watch, that has very minimal stress and great chemistry between the leads, I highly recommend you check out this drama.

Read More

Why add plot when you clearly do not want to have a plot?

Nor do you need the plot to be perfectly honest. I am genuinely confused about what happened and what this drama wanted to be. It claims to be a fantasy rom-com, but it feels like a cooking slice of life. It sets the plot as this epic love story that defies time with political schemes in the background… but delivers a cooking slice of life. So why not just… be a cooking slice of life and not cosplay as something else?

The whole drama is a sandwich. Episode 1-3 and 10-12 have a plot, episodes 4-9 have cooking and close to no plot. Anyone willing to explain to me how I am supposed to care about all the events happening at the end, when they were never developed and existed only in my memory from the first few episodes? I’m honestly annoyed, because I actually love the slice of life genre, and I love historical rom-coms with fun set up and some political schemes. But I was expecting a plot, and got disappointed when I did not get it. And since I was not expecting a slice of life cooking comedy, I kept waiting for the plot to happen, and ended up not quite enjoying it either.

This could have been just a slice of life cooking comedy - 8 episodes, remove Kang Mok Ju and Prince Je San from the story completely since they were useless. Also remove the whole backstory of the king's mother - useless. Serious political schemes? Useless. Male lead being tyrant for like 2 hours of the screentime? Useless. Basically, remove the crumbs of the plot we’ve got, and I will love it.

The cooking? Amazing. The bond between the cooks? Awesome and fun to watch. Making meals more than just food, but rather an emotional experience that connects people and makes them remember their happy memories? Beautiful. The visuals - breathtaking. I even enjoyed the romance, which was mild and cute, a nice backdrop to the cooking itself. And if the drama was that, and only that, it would be an easy 8.5 out of 10.

Then we have the issue of the casting. Acting wise everyone did a good job, but it’s obvious Lee Chae Min was to some extent miscast. I know it was a last minute decision, and he aced the role itself. But when you put him in the context of the other actors, his presence makes no sense - he is simply too young. All the main characters are supposed to be more or less of a similar age, and so are the actors. And then we have this 2000s baby. I want to be clear that I do think he did a great job acting wise though.

As for the romance - outside of the set up it was great. Loved the fluff, loved the initial banter. I loved the growing trust and actually decent communication. In the context of the set up? Flat. I don’t know, I’m just confused and want to ask the writer: why? I liked their relationship, I do think they like each other. Did I feel love? No. Ji Yeong felt mildly interested. I did not feel that deep bond that can change the trajectory of the future, that would make their souls crushed if they end up separated. It gave me more - you are my type, let’s see where it will lead us.

Production wise - beautiful. I was in awe with all the cooking scenes, still giggling when I remember the editing of the reactions when characters were testing female lead’s dishes.

Overall, I would be fine with no plot, just good vibes and cooking, if they did not set up an actual plot that also seems interesting and would have exciting conflicts. But now I’m just confused about what was the goal and what the writer and director wanted to deliver with this project.

Read More

Nonsense drama that brings no value

Each episode is the same as the previous one, nothing is happening in the story. The whole drama was just being dragged. The interactions of the main actors felt so unnatural and cringe for this series but not in their previous works. The story, plot and scenes were very repetitive throughout the whole show. 6 out of 10 episodes were filmed in just one location. In's house.

It was also unacceptable for the screenwriter to make Thap to forgive and cry over someone that attempted to murder him, not once, not twice but three times, or should I even include the other scenes where Thap could've been in a fatal accident. This is improper behavior that is normalized to the viewers.

The other extra characters in the story did nothing for the series, they were there just so an episode could be completed.

For anybody saying this drama is about mental health, it's not. Bad past traumatic experiences and anxiety about the future is never solvable by just being with someone you love, that is what this drama misrepresented.

Read More

Underrated masterpiece!!

I saw many other reviews. In which it was said that this season is not as good as season 1. But for me this season proved to be very good. It turned out much better than I thought. Everyone's acting is great. I fell in love with the lead. Her acting was very good. Her cuteness and her chemistry with main lead was very good. Many people liked the chemistry of the main leads in Season 1, as I did.But that doesn't mean the chemistry between the lead and the main character isn't good. I really liked their chemistry and his caring for her.i binge watched it.

Overall it was a very good series .
I feel very good after a long time.if you like historical fantasy drama than go for it.

Read More

Another money grab at the expense of story telling

Alice in Borderland joins the growing list of excellent kdramas that are being exploited for further gain by adding additional seasons that do not compare to the original. The Uncanny Counter, Sweet Home, and Squid Game have all proven that this money grab by Netflix will ultimately end up disappointing the viewers and this third season is no exception. While not the worst offender in this new season it still lacks the reasoning and plot cohesion to justify continuing the story.

This season does manage to maintain the level of graphics and game quality with that insane deadly adrenaline that previous seasons had but the pacing and overall character development leaves the characters feeling hollow and unmemorable. The why's for all the important questions are flimsy and not very believable. Why do they return? Why only those that have been before? Why is Joker looking for them? Why is she suddenly depressed over her dead father? Why is Ryuiji weirdly obsessed with her? None of the answers provided by the show feel accurate to previously established character development and story progression/rules nor does it give strong enough reasoning to make the explanation feel satisfying.

This season also fails to really bring Borderland to its full potential like the previous seasons. Previous seasons had the rules for the cards which were suit coded and numbered which provided clues for the type of games and the difficulty that gives them time if they survive them. In this season since it is only Joker the participants are unable to choose their games and must compete in all of them leaving all the previous rules behind which I could understand since Joker is often the wildcard but then the show fails to give any further gravity or conclusion leaving the ending feeling flat and pointless. The money grab for an American spinoff to match Squid Games is also really obnoxious.

Overall this felt a bit boring and does not come close to the previous seasons but I did not hate it and found it mostly watchable. Just set your expectations for mediocre.

Read More

One Word - Rowoon saved this drama !

The drama starts off strong. The story is set in the 16th century backdrop, coming to the drama's story- the bandits are controlling the trade ports in the Joseon kingdom. Basically this might be the core story In the first three episodes it shows the bandits' hierarchy, the protagonist's partial backstory, and the other main characters' introductions. And there's a scene that is very short but impactful on the entire drama; that scene is not fictional—it really happened.

Acting is appreciable; charming boy Rawoon's surprises with his makeover into a raw and rustic character, revealing a new side of his a new side of acting but we barely get to hear any character dialogues from him.
Despite limited screentime Shin Ye-Eun's leaves a strong impression as well as Park Ji Hwan.

Technically the production values are top-notch with the re-creation of 16th-century Joseon era atmosphere; the production design team succeeded in bringing the originality of the people in that Joseon era—their costumes, makeovers and location sets feel authentic. Good Cinematography.

Read More

Old fashioned snooze fest

What worked for me ✨️

✨️The premise of the story, the deal where whoever lost would leave their job, added a nice twist to the setup.

✨️Ji Yuheng as a character kept me invested for awhile

✨️The second couple, Rao Jing and Zhao Fanggang, had great chemistry and fun banter.

✨️Zhao Fanggang’s development: he went from being the character I disliked most in the beginning to my absolute favorite by the end.


What didn’t work for me ❌️

❌️ The workplace conflict was deflated and poorly executed. There was no real shock or suspense, just a flat reveal.

❌️ The main leads were boring together and lacked chemistry. Honestly, I wish the second couple had been the leads.

❌️ The third couple added nothing, unnecessary screen time.

❌️ The OST was forgettable

❌️ Old-fashioned stereotypes: marriage being “necessary” and 27 already being considered “too old.”

❌️ Ji Yuheng's obsession with his high school crush felt creepy and unrealistic. Never dating anyone else, never moving on, that’s a trope I truly dislike. (Also they managed to say that Tang Yu Hui's love was obsession but not Yu Heng's?)

❌️ Xiao Ning had no real character traits beyond being annoying, judgmental, and inconsiderate. Zero accountability made her unlikable.

❌️ Her childish, snobbish friend was just as bad, acting superior while actually being the worst.

Read More

Delivered the sweet, failed with angst.

I liked it, but I did not love it. It was so close to being so good, it makes me feel more disappointed. It gave us so much to appreciate - good chemistry between the leads, THE height difference, interesting set up for the plot and future conflict, decent acting… but then it kind of did not deliver on any of these.

Was the chemistry good? Yes. And if it was not for the supporting couple, I would probably even say it was great. But these few moments we’ve got from Ju Ha and Kyu Sung felt so natural I could not see the main couple in the same light. Good example: both couples had that “one person leaning on the other when they are sitting, semi backhug position” - Ju Ha and Kyu Sung felt like couple, Si Yeol and Ae Jun felt like actors who are playing the couple and are ready to get back to normal sitting position right when they hear “cut”.

Still, the interactions felt mostly natural. I loved how Si Yeol was confidently flirting and how confused, but also happy Ae Jun was about it (living his best delulu life).

Then we had the height difference straight from the webtoon, so big my neck hurt just watching Ae Jun look at Si Yeol. So my question is… why wasn’t it used? Like, ever? There are so many perfect (cliche) moments and scenes that many viewers love, and we’ve got none.

Even the set up was great - scheming idol and a dishonest fan. One would be enough for a great conflict and angst to follow, but these two? What an amazing combination. So where is the angst? The way I almost felt nothing when all the tea started to spill. The way things were set up to be future conflicts ended up as nothing, but a few seconds scenes.

I do believe the issue here was the acting from Kim Kang Min. His performance was fine, but the moment the plot leads more into heavy themes, he just did not deliver. Which was even more evident when he shared the screen with Park Jin Woo who actually aced the sadness and anger.

Production value was good. One of the issues I often have with dramas about idols is how unrealistic the details of their work are (e.g. awards ceremonies in small rooms with barely any people). Here he did feel like a real idol - from merch, songs, interviews, stages, radio interviews. The school also felt like a school, the classroom had students that acted like students. The environment was crafted in a way that made the story feel more real.

Overall, it was almost there. A few changes in the last 3 episodes and we could have gotten a solid show.

Read More