Reviews

A Commentary on Society-Destroying Meritocracy

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

It became clear by the end of this series, that this is a social thriller depicting the damaging effects of living in a meritocracy. I wish I knew from the beginning...maybe then I wouldn’t have been so pissed off by the ending.
By the way, this review encompasses both parts.

Acting/Cast: There were certain characters that over-acted pretty consistently. I also didn’t like the acting style of the main student (the one in charge of filming interviews). Other than that, it was alright and for the most part the acting improves throughout the course of the drama. 5/10

Writing: The purpose of this drama is to criticize meritocracy by using the backdrop of an alien invasion. A meritocracy is “a political system in which economic goods or political power are vested in individual people based on ability and talent, rather than wealth or social class. Advancement in such a system is based on performance, as measured through examination or demonstrated achievement.” In short, it’s a system where a person’s performance in school is really the only thing that matters. This drama depicts the consequences of that type of society. This is a huge problem in South Korea in particular. It has created a society where a student’s peers are seen as competition, creating a lack of comradery between them. It also results in a divide between child and parent—with the parent’s love being conditional to their child’s academic achievement. In a metaphorical sense, citizens are thrown into warfare to fight within a brutal system at a very young age far before they are able to mentally handle it, which is something the drama did in a literal sense with these students. Such an extreme focus on grades results in a blindness to all other valuable aspects of life—fun, love, friendship, truth—which prevents one from truly experiencing a full life and finding happiness. They are seen as expendable soldiers, as illustrated in the drama, and are easily used as pawns due to this hyper fixation on grades to the point where common sense has gone out the window. These aspects of a meritocracy cause mental illness in those who are forced to participate—depression, suicide, psychopathy, low self-esteem, insecurity. The drama shows all of this and it’s inevitable conclusion: death.

With that being said, is this drama written well? Even though I understand what the writers are trying to convey, there are obvious issues throughout the drama. There are scenes that are so infuriatingly frustrating and there are scenes that don’t make much sense. For instance, all of the students have guns, but conveniently they suddenly don’t have them when they actually need to use them. We see one student kill an alien using a blunt object and brute force, but later, when it’s ten kids versus one alien, they can’t kill it because they don’t have guns. At one point, an important key falls behind a cabinet and they spend five minutes trying to stretch their arm to reach it and none of them thinks to grab something to make their reach longer. So, the kids are either really dumb or really smart depending on how the writers need them to be in order to make the scene work, but that doesn’t work for me. Because of these issues, I actually preferred part 2; the kids were more consistently intelligent in part 2 (except for the end). I liked the opening sequence for part 2. It really showed the change and positive growth of the students and how they’ve learned to work together. I also really liked the prison sequence in part 2. Even though it was frustrating as like other scenes, it was really powerful in showing character relationships and character growth. This sequence also serves to further reveal the darkness and corruption of humans and that the humans have caused the downfall of their own society (by implementing a maritocratic system); it was not the aliens who were responsible. The aliens were simply there as a sort of judgment day or ‘a reckoning’.

From this point on in the drama, the aliens are less of a focus. Instead, the psychology of the students becomes the focus. Now we are seeing the lasting effects of the maritocratic system come into play—corruption, manipulation, distrust between peers, and mental disorders. I read that viewers really didn’t like this part of the drama, but it was inevitable. The ultimate ending was also a problem for viewers, but that too was inevitable because of the meaning behind the script. I still didn’t like it. The gruesomeness of the ending was so far removed from the lightness, fun, and feelings of hopefulness of part one and half of part 2. In other words, the ending sequences of part 2 were disturbingly dark compared to the rest of the drama...traumatically dark. It was hard to watch. It was also frustrating because the students were all trained marksmen by this point, with guns in hand, and they still were unable to subdue the threat. This is why viewers were so angry, I think. This is why I was angry. Another reason is because endings like this one tend to make the entire drama feel like a waste of time. 4/10
       
Direction/SFX/Music: Hot take...I actually don’t like the alien design. I think they look very nonthreatening and it’s kind of ridiculous watching so many people be terrified of them. They are also killed very easily, which is something discovered pretty early on, but not really utilized. The first alien they encountered was really a tease because we never see anything as threatening as that alien for the rest of the drama. There were some minor things with the scene editing that I had an issue with in part 1. The editing and flow seemed better in part 2. I like the OST; it’s energetic and fun. 4.5/10       

Entertainment Value: This was a pretty entertaining drama despite it being so frustrating. I was always worried for everyone because the writers were obviously fine with killing off important characters. Also, I had no idea where they were taking the plot, so that kept it interesting. The ending pretty much ruined this drama. It almost felt like they didn’t know what else to do with the plot so they just set it on fire. But, looking at it as a condemnation of maritocracy, it seems like this was the intention from the beginning. Even though I didn’t like the ending, I can say that I probably won’t forget it. By the way, there isn’t really any romance in this drama, so that made it a little less entertaining to me as well. 5/10

Combining both parts into one, I gave this drama a 4.5/10 (4 stars and up are ‘enjoyable enough for a watch’). This drama is similar to Happiness in that it is also a social thriller that uses the metaphor of a sci-fi infestation to commentate on destructive aspects of South Korean society. Understanding that this drama is depicting a judgment on maritocracy and its long term effects will provide viewers with perspective on why the writers chose to have the plot play out in the way that it did. However, there are still a lot of issues with the writing that make this drama an aggravating watch and the ultimate ending may still make you feel like you’ve wasted your time. I do like the thought-provoking nature of the story through allegory, but the script isn’t written well enough for it to have as much as an impact that it could have had.

Read More

Disappointing Despite the Hype

This drama came highly recommended by a friend who's a big fan of Cheng Yi. She mentioned it was an S+ production and that Cheng Yi’s dramas never go wrong. However, after a few episodes, I honestly began to question the standard of what’s considered S+ these days.

My personal opinions from the episodes I picked up so far:

1. Production Quality. The overall production falls short of what I expect from a top-tier drama. The CGI looks unsophisticated and at times even distracting. The cinematography feels flat and lacks visual depth, making the scenes appear two-dimensional. Some of the fight scenes are so chaotic that they’re difficult to follow.

2. Costume Design. The costume design, particularly for the ML, is quite underwhelming. Some outfits are overly plain . There is a set in particular, a simple white and pink ensemble with a matching sash, appeared to lack any styling effort. While a few other costumes lean too heavily into a feminine aesthetic, which feels out of sync with the ML’s character and presence. Furthermore his hairstyle looks unkempt in some non-action scenes.

3. ML's Acting & Line Delivery. Given that this is a time-travel drama, I expected more comedic or confused reactions from the ML as he adjusts to an unfamiliar world. Unfortunately, his performance feels flat, lacking the emotional range or expression the situation demands. It was so flat that both his character and the overall tone of the scenes come across as dull and even exhausting to watch. Even more frustrating is his line delivery where his enunciation is so unclear that I often have to rely on subtitles and even rewind to catch the details I missed from reading the subtitles. This makes it impossible to watch at 1.5x speed or multitask, which is quite a drawback. Instead, I’m forced to focus entirely on the screen, which only draws more attention to the flaws in his delivery and acting.

4. Storyline & Logic. The plot has quite a few logical inconsistencies. For example, the ML’s mother shows a baffling level of bias towards him, despite his older brother being clearly more sensible and responsible. The time-travel aspect is also poorly executed that I feel it was added to tap on the AI hype. And no one seems to notice or question the ML’s odd behaviour, which feels lacking from a writing standpoint.

Final Thoughts:

Personally, this drama feels like a letdown, especially considering the S+ label and the high expectations surrounding Cheng Yi’s performance. Ironically, it’s the weight of these labels and glowing fan reviews that set the bar so high, only for the drama to fall short in several key areas.

Without all the surrounding hype, I feel it still a watchable show. My friend mentions the story picks up after episode 8, but honestly, I think I’ve seen enough. Perhaps this series will still appeal to devoted fans. For me, it just didn’t deliver.

Read More

the best drama I’ve watched this year.

this drama was amazing. it really pulled at my heart strings. their interactions were so cute and heartfelt. I thought the story line/plot were well thought out. sometimes things didn’t make sense but then it was explained later on. I love that they didn’t really have any misunderstandings and worked together to solve the problems they faced. Sima Jiao experienced so much pain and heartbreak during this life and he finally found the one that would Change all of that. Tian Yan was amazing. her character was so cute and you could see her grow through out the series. she just wanted to take a vacation from life and wound up being with the most powerful immortal of all time and saving everyone. both actors did a wonderful job and I hope they get to work together again.

Read More

The fighting scenes are superb!

As an old wuxia reader from Gu Long, Jin Yong, etc, I feel so happy when I watch this drama, didn't expect too much at the beginning, but turns out it really delivers so many action fighting scenes in quick pace. Humour, family matters, friendship, revenge complete the whole pack Jianghu story with its ups and downs, very entertaining! Ah the OSTs also very good, I favorite three songs. I watched until ep 14 yesterday, and I am still engaged to this drama, watching clips from upcoming eps, they keep dragging me to invest more! I always craving for good fight scenes, this drama delivers very well! And now I am investing more to the angst as well, hopefully the upcoming eps are as well entertaining until the final eps!

Read More

unimpressed

shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better
shit from a butt. firstkhao deserved better

Read More

Girls be Ambitious

The Kdrama gods have been neglecting me when it comes to youth dramas. I am a sucker for them, as I'm also in my youth around the same time the characters go through lives in these dramas I'm just the same. I can relate to them, cheer for them, hate them, compare to them, you name it. What I'm looking for from these is a mix of nostalgia, hope, romance, and harships.

A Hundred Memories is tagged with a lot of genres, so this seems like its a good fit for now. I'm watching a handful of dramas, and I figured why not? If I'm curious-- why not watch? So here I am, and after the premeire I am seeing a lot of things I like. Short story, this drama is at least a high 8 rating. For some, it might not have the 'it' factor, for me- it's does.. let me explain.

I am in love with the setting. The 80s backdrop is already pretty unique, and gives off a warm sense of nostalgia. Underneath that, with it being the good year of 2025-- I am wondering if the setting of this drama reflects a future for these characters that is sad.. happy... the curiostiy I have alone is intrigue.. and that is something you want the viewer to feel to say the least.

I don't know why this drama isn't more 'hyped'. Being hyped is a double edged sword though, as people look for the wrong things and get underwhelmed. I don't really care for hype and take things for what they are. This drama follows Yeong Rye, played by Kim Da Mi. I've seen Da Mi play a lot of snappy characters, and here she proves herself as a versatile actress. Yeong Rye is a humble youth, a rule-follower, and a genuine spirit. Shin Ye Eun plays Seo Jong Hui, someone who is more confident and is new to the job. The both of them are a perfect duo to watch, and I'm rooting for either side. Their personalities balance eachother out, and besides the romance I see this relationship as the focal point of the story.

So the romance.... I am going into this knowing its a love triangle. Hopefully it is more like 25-21, with the female relationship as the center, and the romance a 'love-triangle' but sort of done right if that makes sense. I'm not here for the romance, but I sort of am in a way? Ja Pil is the ML, and I've seen Heo Nam Jun in a handful of dramas. The only complaint I have is that he is supposed to be a senior in highschool, and compared to the visuals of his best friend Cheol, played by Lee Won Jung.. its sort of night and day. One I buy into the highschooler, the other I sincerely do not. He's a good actor, and is handsome and young, just not super youthful. Not a bad thing probably, his character is more mature, and I believe he is a year older than his senior class? That's not a super big deal to me honestly.. I'm just mentioning it. Nam Jun is 32, and Lee Wong Jun is 24, so I'm a little nervous about their chemistry as best friends. For what it's worth it may be more of an 'I look up to you' thing, which is more buyable than a rivalry as friends, fighters, lovers, etc...

With the best friend to the ML in the mix I hope that fixes the love triangle. I see Cheol giving a love interest role that is a sort of 'puppy love' type. I'm excited for that, and I'm excited for the sub plots with the ML. Boxing is always going to reel me in, and the ML is a boxer so what can I say.

There's a lot to like here. I'm wary of the love rivalry, but see the solutions here for this to be a good.. maybe great watch. We might have ourselves a gem here.

Read More

A Hundred Memories: Two Friends, One First Love, One Bus

🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes
✨ How would you navigate a friendship tested by first love on a crowded city bus?

📕 Overview
🔹 12 episodes, romance, drama
🔹 Original screenplay (not adapted)
🔹 Kim Da Mi plays Go Yeong Rye, a relatable young woman working as a bus conductor despite her motion sickness.
🔹 Shin Ye Eun plays Seo Jong Hui, a spirited and funny best friend who brightens every moment.
🔹 Heo Nam Jun portrays Han Jae Pil, an aspiring boxer who brings both charm and conflict to the lives of those around him.
🔹 The story starts when Yeong Rye and Jong Hui meet Han Jae Pil, creating a friendship and hints of a love triangle.
🔹 At the time of this review, 2 episodes have aired
🔹 For now, I’m giving it a 9, but I may adjust as the story unfolds in later episodes.

🌸 How It Felt Watching
🔹 The opening was warm and grounded, depicting two women balancing work, family, and new feelings in 1980s Seoul.
🔹 A nostalgic retro drama that feels like flipping through an old photo album and hoping the central bond remains strong.
🔹 Themes: friendship, first love, loyalty, and family duty

✨ Cast & Acting
🔹 Kim Da Mi portrays Go Yeong Rye as a genuine character, someone you would want by your side.
🔹 Shin Ye Eun portrays Seo Jong Hui, bringing a playful energy that makes every scene feel more vibrant.
🔹 Heo Nam Jun portrays Han Jae Pil with an intensity and easy charm that naturally stirs things up.
🔹 The supporting cast creates a familiar atmosphere in family scenes, anchoring the story in everyday comfort.

🎞️ Production Style
🔹 1980s Seoul depicted with vintage buses, conductor uniforms, and pay phones for an authentic period feel.
🔹 Costumes are designed in retro styles that accurately reflect the era.
🔹 With only 2 episodes aired, the pacing felt a little slow to me, but it may pick up as the story develops.

☕ Tea Notes
🔹 What worked: The performances are compelling, highlighting the theme of friendship and featuring nostalgic details from the period.
🔹 What did not: The slower early pace might not appeal to everyone, though it could change in later episodes.
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes
☕ SpillTheDramaTea’s Rating: 9/10
🌿 Tea-Scale: Full of flavor, really enjoyed this one
✏️ As SpillTheDramaTea, this one felt like a letter from a friend I did not want to put down

Read More

Anyone viewing this as a fantasy is concerning

I have never seen a male lead so incredibly selfish and immature. It was not giving amnesia; it was giving lobotomy. Not only did Louis act like a literal baby, he cost the FL so much money and frustration. She was literally worse off for knowing him. It got so bad, I couldn't make it past episode 7. It seemed to become a question of who would she choose: the responsible (yet unprofessional) adult or the literal baby. The director was an HR nightmare, but anyone attracted to Louis creeps me out. He was a toddler in an adult body. Right down to throwing tantrums when he didn't get his way.

Louis barely did anything to try to help GBS. She was working so hard and had very little money to survive on her own and he never seemed to care about how much she suffered or sacrificed for him. He never thought to try to get a job on his own or at least not cost her so much money. It goes beyond not knowing the value of money; he literally knew nothing he "had" belonged to him; it was GBS's money. And he spent it anyway. He's selfish, has a shopping addiction, and seemed borderline illiterate.

GBS was also ridiculously naive. There were points where it made sense for her not to know better. The work drama, for example. But there were times she believed extremely obvious scams and, if Louis was 2, she was 8 at the most. Neither of them should've been left alone. Regardless of that, Louis still relied on her to cook for him and clean up after him and give him an allowance like she was his mommy. I can't fathom anyone finding any aspect of this romantic.

Usually, I think long and hard before dropping a drama. If I made it more than a couple of episodes in, I try to give it a chance. I found Louis' lack of growth by this point made the show unwatchable. Even if he got his memory back and paid GBS back for the thousands of dollars she spent on him while he remained completely useless, it still wouldn't make up for him being so utterly unlikable. She deserved better and its clear the writers of the show don't think so. My heart honestly hurts for any woman thinking anything about this "romance" was sweet. That poor girl was a victim.

Read More

The wonderful script, songs, acting,pages redolent of literature, and the harmonious dance of love

I just finished episode 7, writing this with my eyes swollen from crying and a snot-soaked tissue in hand. The wonderful script, songs, acting, soundtrack, pages redolent of literature, and the harmonious dance of love and hippie culture. I cried with Trin; I felt helpless. It brought back memories of my university self, yearning to work with the desire to bring about change. I remembered the fear of loss. When he hugged Tanwa in episode 6, I cried with the desire to cry freely on the floor when he felt safe. Victor, my love, the part of me that longs to experience passion—pure and beautiful things—with you awakened. You were such a beautiful detail in this series; I loved it. Krailert and Naran, I've longed for your harmony to flirt with each other through words. While one of you risks death to speak out against injustice, the other submits with fear—a superb combination. Veera, my grape cake, your timid yet beautiful way of loving was beautiful. In short, I enjoyed watching it.

Read More

You, and Everything Else: A One-in-a-Million Story That Held My Heart Hostage

You, and everything else is what true art portrayed in a television series looks like in my book.

i do not know how my eyes found the tears that came through,

a naturally flowing story that is accompanied by one of the best acting performance i have seen , i do not wish to single out any performance as its a dis-service to the rest, but those were remarkable child actors, their performance will remain with me for a while

The performance of acting was only rivaled by the story as well as the production

i think the decision to release this series in one go had some strong thoughts behind it, it is just.

i found myself taken hostage by the story of this duo , where you can't really distinguish good from bad, right from wrong, fantasy and life , this story, is a tale of life unfolding

It would be unjust to not mention how lovely the ost that accompanied this project was

you, and everything else was a one in a million tv series that i hope it can have challengers in years to come

Read More