Reviews

Out of the 3 versions of this story, again this was the last one that I got around to watching. The japanese version being my first, will always be my favorite because it's the one that hooked me onto the series to begin with (as well as Arashi / MatsuJun (: ). The Korean version I watched after I read the manga, and although I thought it was a good series by itself, I felt it drifted far off from the manga, and even the main characters seemed to be separate characters. After watching Meteor Garden, I would say I liked this one better than the Korean version.



In the earlier episodes I felt MG did a terrific job on basing it off of the manga. It's expected that there has to be some variation, but most of it, I felt, was right on. As the show progressed, MG started to develop into it's own story. Not to say that it drifted far off, but events were done differently. Through it all, I felt the actors did a good job as the characters. Dao Ming Si's character acted like the original Domyouji, with minor differences. Shan Cai's character was bull headed like the original Tsukushi, hiding her own true feelings even from herself. The rest of F4 was portrayed well.



When I first started watching this show and saw F4 I wasn't sure how I was going to like them. Dao Ming Si and Hua Ze Lei fit Domyouji and Rui well, but I wasn't sure about the other 2. Mei Zuo as Mimasaka even fit, but Xing Men took me a while to get used to. As Nishikado, he looked different. But at the end I found myself liking him as his character. True I liked the japanese F4 better, and even Kim Bum as Nishikado better, but for the Taiwan version he played his part well.



They only had 2 songs in this drama, the opening and the ending. The opening song "Qing Fei Te Yi" (Can't Help Falling In Love With You) they played throughout the drama. It might just be me, but the song didn't get on my nerves.



For a drama that came out in 2OO1, I thought it was really good. You have to keep in mind while watching it that it came out 1O years ago, so of course fashion and technology is going to be different. The cell phones aren't as advanced as they are now. The filming for the show isn't as high quality as it is for new shows. That aside, I think it's a show worth watching. I really think that if I hadn't of seen the Japanese and Korean version I would've liked this drama a lot more. Because this was the last one that I watched, and I'd already read the manga, I found a lot of it predictable. The ending I felt was cute. I'm not sure if I'll watch the 2nd season yet, I'm still debating.



Ohh another thing I liked about this drama was how it included characters such as QingHe (Kazuya in the manga) who were eliminated in the other dramas.

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This drama got me out of a drama slump. It was very gritty and down to earth. There was a lot of true life issues. Sometimes watching a show without a lot of fluff is a good thing.

I enjoyed how the little things were solved quickly. We wern't agonizing over the ex-girlfriend for 4 episodes. One was enough.

There was redemption,friendship, true love, and forgiveness. All the things a good drama calls for.

At first I thought it was going to drag. Come on 21 episodes?? I am going to be fast forwarding I just know it! You don't. Each installment is fast paced, and you never feel the need to click forward.

The acting was wonderful. Vic and Barbie were outstanding. Megan and Jie Kie were great supporting cast. Loved them.

Watch it. You won't regret it!!

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Autumn's Concerto had all the hallmarks of an epic romance novel.
Rich, larger than life hero, sweet innocent heroine, the adorable love child, scheming parents, the ever present love triangle, grandiose declarations of love ... yeah, the whole nine yards. It SHOULD have been wildly entertaining, the type of love story to sweep any and every romantic off their feet. Sadly, it just did not happen. Not for me. In fact, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more had it been a novel rather than this TV show.

The story had enormous potential, but fell apart under the weight of crappy, disjointed writing, dubious casting and uninspired direction. I can’t have much respect for a drama when things happen to suit the writers, rather than the circumstances they’ve placed their characters in. I can’t have much respect for a drama when things aren't consistent.

Couple a bad script with a not so great lead actor and you have a bit of a hot mess on your hands. I know I'm about to raise the ire of many a Vaness Wu fangirl, but I'm sorry, it has to be said: the brother cannot act. At least not in Autumn's Concerto he couldn't. There were times when he seemed really into his character and other times when he literally seemed to have lost the plot. He just did not embody that charismatic stage presence required to bring alive a larger than life character like Guang Xi. I also didn’t find him attractive enough so not even brownie points for being man candy could save him. Lead actress An Andy came across more natural and a lot more comfortable in her skin, however given the horrible material she had to work with her character didn’t amount to much. She had a good start, but not much later she morphed into a bland, uninteresting shell of what she could have been. She pretty much spent the entire drama after the first 6 episodes being frustratingly passive.

Thank goodness the supporting cast were decent. I liked President Fang even though she seemed to have ice running through her vains. She was an intriguing character who I felt strangely sympathetic toward even though I couldn’t tell why until the end. The villagers of Hua were a wild, hilarious bunch. I was particularly taken with second lead, Hua Tuo Ye. It was very easy to like this guy. You know the saying ‘what stays too long serves two masters’? Well, this pretty much sums up Guang Xi and Mu Cheng’s relationship to the point where Hua Tuo Ye started to look like the better catch simply because he was PRESENT in Mu Cheng’s life, taking on duties and responsibilities that should have been Guang Xi’s. Yet another indication of shoddy script development if your audience spends most of the drama wishing somebody else gets the girl. Last but not least there’s Guang Xi and Mu Cheng's son Xiao Le. The kid’s a show stopper. I loved him, but for a 5 yr old, little man sure had some ridiculously grown up lines and was too wise beyond his years. I didn’t buy an ounce of it. Another failure of the script? I think so. Lousy direction? Yupp!

Finally the music choices in this drama were atrocious. They played the grating, high pitched theme song literally every 10 seconds throughout the entire drama. When the theme song wasn’t on, random use of different genres of music were tossed in. There were a couple scenes covered with medieval tunes which had absolutely NO relevance to said scenes at all. I mean, WHAT??? Did an amateur compose the score?

And it doesn’t end there. Constant flashbacks (which slowed the story down to a snail’s pace), disruptive cut-ins to repeat a scene that just played or to show spoilery future scenes ran rampant. Imagine, just when you’re getting into story … BAM! You’re pulled right out of it by these ridiculous machinations.

I don't know what the producers were thinking. It had a great premise, but was executed with catastrophic results. While I was still able to enjoy it somewhat, watching this drama gave me a major headache. I can't give it more than a 6, and that's being quite generous, considering...

It's okay to watch Autumn's Concerto, if only for the few romantic scenes. One thing I did appreciate about this drama is that it showed intimacy between the characters quite realistically without compromising the virtue of the actors. The Koreans could learn a thing or two from Autumn's Concerto in that regard.

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YES! 10 i'am not being over reacted maybe many of you will dis-agree of me well i think i have a good explanation about this.

If you don't know yet? .. It is the first Asian drama in Philippines that gained so much popularity because of this TV drama started the so-called "Asianovela craze" and also aheeemm ... haha this is the first drama i watch :) well that's why i love asianovela and that time i also collect posters,text,stickers even glow in the dark of each of character of this drama i can imagined wahaha (i'm not that old) :D well i proudly to say that in that time this is the highest rate among all the other asianovela in Philippines and i watch this many times because it's refitted several times in my country :) also this series is the first live-action television adaptation of the manga, followed by its sequel Meteor Garden II and Japanese Hana Yori Dango, its sequel Hana Yori Dango Returns and South Korean Boys Over Flowers.

So if you haven't watch this yet??? and if you will watch this without comparing to other version or manga i think you will like METEOR GARDEN. Can't Help Falling in You is one of the song in this series and i really like it, i think cast is also contribute a good acting coz if they don't why people like it? Also please guys before you watch this remind your self that this drama made in 2001. That's why if you will compare the quality!? darling, obviously it will not as good as the two other dramas but about the story i believed that as much as many people like it hopefully you will like it also :)

That's why i rated this 10 i expect it's reasonable!

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some things are best left buried in time

the only good thing about this show was chalarm and his comedic moments.

the plot was below average at best, definitely not part of the BL shift going on. the casting left a lot to be desired, and those cast in the leading roles barely had chemistry.

with all the good BLs airing right now, you can genuinely do fine never watching this series.

I do think there’s quite a few in the supporting cast that are genuinely good actors, or at least show real potential, but as for the main pairing… I just hope they can get a better support system or guidance. maybe they needed to workshop more, they looked uncomfortable at times and I had to talk myself into continuing the show in hopes it got better. needless to say, it didn’t.

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I thought the story was amazing! It was a very intense & beautiful love about two very different broken people slowly healing each other, A painfully shy artist and a popular playboy find a soulmate in each other. It was very deep & touching and i can say i really loved it and it has become one of my favourites, The only flaw was i just didn't like the athmosphere to the drama, It was kinda creepy and unnerving at some parts, Which maybe was the fact there was very little music or the fact that i've had a similar experience to barbies character but i still managed to finish it in one day because it's that amazing. If you're looking for a lighthearted bubbly drama this is not for you, But if you're looking for a deep intense real romance than watch it.

Another reason i found this unnerving at some parts is maybe due to the fact there was alot of deep real life issues such as rape, suicide, abuse, murder, mental illness etc which is very rare for an asian drama but it put them all together so good, it had alot of things that does actually happen in this world which i did like because it shows that not everyones life is amazing, That alot of people go through so much but it shows that no matter what you go through you can still find happiness, Also maybe i'm just a dreamer but after finishing this it gives me hope that maybe someday no matter how damaged i am, I will find someone that loves me for me and loves all of me as much as Linq & Qi Luo love each other :)

As i said there isn't much music but i loved the opening song, It was beautiful. I do reccomend this drama to people, I think this is a drama everyone should watch, It's one of a kind but beware that it's quite dark and deep, Yes there is a few parts that will make you laugh but really overall it's not funny, Also there is a few parts that may even freak you out lol

Overall i gave this a 9, Mainly because the story is beautiful & touching and barbie & vic had such great chemistry that it was so believable, The only thing that stoped me from giving a 10 is as i said the athmosphere, I am really picky when it comes to that,But then again I watched it online which unlike korean dramas, Taiwanese are pretty bad quality, So maybe if it was on dvd the athmosphere may appear better, but i do admit that the more you watch of it the less creepy it becomes, You might feel like giving it up in the first 3 or 4 episodes because it's quite dark but if you hang on it will become a little less unnerving and more amazing, anyway i would really recommend this drama, Don't let the athmosphere stop you from seeing this amazing & beautiful drama, I definitely agree with those that say it's one of the best dramas that has ever come out of taiwan, It has a genre of it's own. I certainly do not regret watching it :) and i would so watch it again, In fact i'm thinking of buying it on dvd and If you managed to read all of my ranting then you should watch Mars too.
Watch it, This amazing real drama will not waste your time, You won't regret it!

Edit: I just rewatched this drama again a few months ago and i must say i found the the atmosphere wasnt unnerving anymore so im finally gonna give it a 10 :)

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Wow where do I begin with this drama?

Well let's start with the fact that this drama ought to be deemed as a CLASSIC in dramaland. It is not classical in the way in which it is filled with accidental kisses and nonsensical tragedies but it is classical in the way that all the emotions involved and expressed in the drama were universals. They were still relevant to me as a viewer despite the fact that the drama was created TEN years, a decade ago. Oh did I mention that this drama pulled me out of a slump and has become a trigger for my recent Taiwanese drama obsession phase? Anyways, the psychological states, questions, and statements of Qi Lou, Chen Ling, and Sheng were so interesting and were webbed beautifully on-screen.
From the story to acting, everything was top-notch and amazing. The story managed to put hardcore issues such as rape, suicide, and mental illness without over dramatizing them. The directing and producing was superb. The acting of Barbie and ZaiZai were off the charts and they had steaming chemistry as two very hurt individuals in society. Megan Lai, Xie Jie Kai, and An Jun Can played their supporting roles with dimension and grace. An Jun Can's character is solid, creepy, hopeless, and intelligent. He really will make you think and doubt many things.
The music was well-fitted into the drama especially Alan Kuo's Ling. Sometimes the lyrics matched exactly as the situation on-screen, enhancing the scenes.
Lastly, from my personal opinion, this is a drama I would definitely re-watch. There is just something about this drama that will just pull you in even if you know what is going to happen.Plus I'm a sucker for Vic Zhou's acting so the rating is a little biased hehe

Overall, whether your a new watcher or an old watcher like me, you will come to adore this drama.

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I went into this drama not knowing anything. I haven't seen any of the other seasons and I just happen to come across it on netflix randomly. To be very honest, i really liked it up until the end. But overall it was very engaging. The plot was refreshing to me (actually lesbian instead of the queer baiting i always see). The flow of this drama gives away how it ends; there is nothing really special about the ending expect for enlightenment for the 4 leads. They all gain an understanding about how they feel about themselves and each other.

Acting : Depends on the character and scene combination in my opinion. Some scenes I really felt that the acting was excellent and I was dying of laughter and strong emotions. then there were times that the acting didn't quite cut it.

Music: There were some good songs for the opening and ending credits but the mood music (background) was over done. Certain characters were given a background song that gave a feeling a danger (even though they used the same song whenever something petty or heart shattering happened--it got really annoying after the five times in a span of 10mins)

Re-watch: Even though I liked this drama a lot, I won't be coming back. I gave a low rating for some scenes and script topics. This drama showcased how society views same sex relationships and mainly marriage. It also incorporates revenge, mental illness (to a point), and suicide to the mix. The topics that rubbed me the wrong way were when they would slut shame the women but the main male lead was a straight up hoe plus addressing the darkest characters skin tone (offensively). They also made it seem that being lgbt+ was a "phase" and a "delusion". (basically making bisexuals confused individuals)

Final thoughts: they could have did more for the main couple. It urks my soul that the other couple had more growth (basically the second leads should have been the main with how the writers developed them in my opinion).

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After having watched the Japanese version and loved it so much that I sought out the Korean version - this was the third adaptation of the Hana Yori Dango manga for me.

The most addictive qualities of this series are very much present in this version as well. The things that Dao Ming Si say, and his endless longing glances at Shan Cai, are enough to make anyone weak at the knees.

However, at the same time it's his love for her that give birth to a couple of truly disturbing scenes.
Violence and possessiveness is a part of Si's nature in a shocking way. This wasn't there in the Korean or Japanese versions. It made Meteor Garden hard to watch.

Hadn't it been for those scenes I would have had no qualms giving the drama a 9 or 10. Simply for how kick-ass Shan Cai is and the way Si makes my knees wobble.

As I see it, HYD is a mash-up of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and her other books. The arrogant Dao Ming Si and the introverted Hua Ze Lei represent the dual aspects of Mr Darcy's personality. Si's domineering mother is Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Don't let the fact that this is from 2001 scare you off. It's a timeless story. Even crazy hair, bad outfits and old cell phones can't distract you from the heart at its core.
(Plus, he loses the headband and pineapple-hairdo a couple of episodes in. :) )

My advice is:
Watch! But be prepared for a flawed hero that wouldn't work outside of the realm of pure fantasy.

The pluses:
+ Shan Cai's reactions feel more convincing than in any other version of the series, and are full of girl-power
+ The way that the character are explained and the story plays out makes more sense than in any other version
+ The music is less imposing and annoying than in the J&K-versions

The minuses:
- Si's violent and possessive tendencies are on occasion creepy and downright shocking
- The sound and other production values leave something to be desired

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I actually watched this because of Park Shin Hye and also because it's from an anime manga/show. This was so epic, a little bit of unbelievable and it was funny. I loved the funny scenes and yeah, the story itself was fine. A bit confusing, and surprising scenes like about the royal jade and Xiao Zhi's grandfather. I love the music, I dont know why, I just love it. The acting was fine, but I've got to say PSH wasn't that good here. I hate the dubbing of her voice, it could have been better if she really spoke taiwan without dubbing. She doesn't even look like Nagi from the original anime. But besides that, I still think this drama is good. The story, the thrills, the epic(ness). The only downfall is the looks of the cast and the dubbing.

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THE SOUND OF THE FLOWERS WILL HAUNT ME FOREVER ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

**Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone. This review is kind of lengthy so please bare with me.***

General Overview:

My Dearest is a profound story set in the year 1636 during the Qing invasion of Joseon. It tells the tale of Gil Chae the "village’s 99 tale fox", who can have any man she wants because they are willing to do anything for her at the drop of a hat. The story depicts how this beloved but conceited and naive girl matures as the tides change and she realizes she must be strong for those around her. She has to step up and become a leader and a source of strength in these harsh times. We also meet Jang Hyun, a flawed man whose actions demonstrate how determined he is to change and be better for the woman he loves. He acts as if he doesn't care about much, but as the story progresses, you can see how much he does care and is determined, willing to fight for and help the innocent people around him.

The plot revolves around the constraints imposed on various classes of people, gender disparity, camaraderie – sisterhood and brotherhood all combined with a breathtaking, slow burn romance that continually breaks and mends your heart. It's about survival and, more importantly, perseverance – it's about how far you're prepared to go for the people you care about. It's a great drama that underlines the importance of sacrifice. This story offers so much more than romance. You get politics, warfare, suspense, drama, heartbreak, romance and everything in between. The story could exist without the love story and I think that’s what makes it so special. The love between the people is what ties everyone together and keeps them hoping for a better and brighter day but it is not the focus of the plot. It is about the perils of war and how that can tear people apart and make them often do things they would have never done in the first place. It’s about choosing the best option not for yourself but for the greater good of everyone.

Needless to say I feel like this story has changed the trajectory of my life. Am I embellishing and over exaggerating? Yes, but I’m also being so serious. It’s a story I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life. The artistry and care behind this production is something you can feel through the screen in any scene, at any moment. I won’t say it’s the best Sageuk I’ve ever watched because there is still more to come but for me, it’s pretty damn close.

If you're on the fence about watching or starting it, I would highly encourage you to do so. I feel like this drama is a classic and everyone should experience it at least once in their life.

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In more detail (spoilers ahead):

I genuinely feel like my soul just got ripped out of my body. They literally had me hoping things would work out between Jang Hyun and Gil Chae and in the end they gave us nothing but PAIN?!

Let me first take a moment to rewind and go over everything I liked about this drama...

They literally gave meet cute, slow burn, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, right person wrong time, drama, suspense, passion and yearning. When I tell you I was on the edge of my seat with each episode. I went into this not knowing whether I would like this drama as much as the next person but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized this would easily become one of my favorite dramas of the year.

To say Gil Chae is a well-written, multifaceted character who serves as a role model for women everywhere would be an understatement. She has so many positive attributes, and I found myself being a proud observer of her development.

We first meet this young, naive girl who is consumed by the fairytale of having a happy ever after with the man she sees in her dreams (the one she feels is her rightful husband) But oh my how the threads of fate proved to have a different path in store for her. I believe that her dream was foreshadowing all the ups and downs and tribulations she will have to face until she and her lover can finally reunite. We follow Gil Chae on her journey as she transforms from a snobbish, shallow noble's daughter to someone willing to put her life on the line for her friends. The road there is not easy, as we can see but Gil Chae has really blossomed and transofrmed into something of a force herself since the 1st episode compared to the last. She is truly a flower that changes with the seasons and grows older and wiser as the story progresses.

Jang Hyun, on the other hand, is a laid-back, free-spirited man who clearly puts on a cheerful facade so that people don't see the real him or know his true intentions. He appears to be a man who is uninterested in politics, has no plans to marry, does not believe in supporting / backing his country or the king, and prefers to avoid war and picking sides. In contrast, our Gil Chae fantasizes about her ideal happy marriage with her perfect husband. Jang Hyun claims that love and romance are fleeting and that he does not want to be tied down to anyone as a result. He'd rather think about things and have fun for the time being. That is, until he meets Gil Chae, who changes the course of his life and challenges his previously held beliefs. He appears to be a people-pleaser, always seeking flattery and recognition, but I don't think he knows what he wants at the end of the day. He's a man who has lived a full life, is well read and educated, and has traveled extensively. It'll be interesting to learn more about his backstory.

As the story progresses and Jang Hyun's layers are gradually peeled back, you realize he is a shell of a boy, with scars and unhealed trauma from his turbulent past. You can tell he has had a difficult life, but he does not portray himself as a victim; instead, he handles everything with grace. I believe he is very calculating and he sort of quietly observes people as if he sees them as pieces in a game of chess. You notice this when he makes subtle remarks about the king and crown prince, or any bad men he encounters. It's heartwarming to see Jang Hyun change for the better as he rises to the occasion and ends up saving countless lives. He wants to live another day and meet Gil Chae again, not because of the war or his circumstances. He perseveres and survives, demonstrating incredible bravery, determination, and resilience in the face of any challenge, battle, or adversary.

I love a "pathetic" and "morally gray" man so much. There's just something so inherently attractive about a man who is down bad for his woman and literally gets so sad at the thought of leaving or losing her – literally when the mere thought of being apart from her for even a second makes him so lovesick or causes him to make the most unpredictable decisions to protect her. Jang Hyun is the embodiment of "touch her and I kill you" and "I hate everyone in the world but you." and that's why he's the best ML to exist. The mere fact that he would probably burn down the world to save Gil Chae is just so satisfying to watch. I am truly saddened whenever I hear Jang Hyun refer to himself as a terrible man since he is so kind, wise beyond his years and pure of heart. When I tell you we as viewers don't even deserve him, know that I'm being dead serious. Normally, I would find persistence annoying, but the way Jang Hyun pursued Gil Chae had me gasping for air and at a loss for words. It reminded me of a Bridgerton-esque courtship lol! The tension was so thick and intense that it appeared to be impenetrable even by the sharpest blade.

Gil Chae and Jang Hyun share a lot of similarities. They do differ in terms of upbringing, status, and maturity levels, yet throughout the drama, they embark on their own adventures, endure trials, and grow. At first I thought their personalities were too similar and I was unsure about their pairing because in the back of my mind usually it’s opposites that attract. But as I continued watching I realized they were each others true equals. Nobody else would ever be good enough for either of them. It was clear from their banter and subtle gazes that Jang Hyun understands and knows her, and vice versa. They are, at their core, just two people who long for that one constant love that will never change, regardless of time, space, or distance. No matter how many times Gil Chae hurt his feelings and rejected him, he still hoped that she felt even a smidgeon of affection for him. I melted when he told Yeon Jun that if he could only have a quarter of her heart, he would take it. That is genuine love right there. I loved how Jang Hyun was able to let his guard down for her to truly see he was being sincere in his affection and he never wavered even when Gil Chae was being stubborn / playing hard to get. When faced with adversity, they both are unable to to give up. Both will fight to the death to protect the people they care about, while simultaneously longing for the day when they can reunite.

As Jang Hyun said "I swear by the moonlight, wherever you are, I'll make sure to find find you." The symbolism of the moon touched me deeply because, just as everyone is under the same moonlight, Gil Chae and Jang Hyun's love will also remain constant, no matter where they are. This oath/promise is kept throughout the entire drama and solidifies their soulmatism.

Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin both delivered outstanding performances. Their portrayal of their characters was so amazing and emotional that it completely blew me away. Namkoong Min takes us through a variety of thrilling and heartbreaking scenes. His fight scenes are fantastic, as are his tender and heartfelt scenes demonstrating his growing affection for Gil Chae. Eun Jin does a wonderful job of portraying Gil Chae especially in her funny/silly moments and her painful, heartbreaking ones. Their chemistry is beyond words to the point where it feels palpable through the screen. The side characters and extras also do a phenomenal job of selling their roles. The villains (Qing intruders) are very menacing and they add to the realism of the portrayal. Everyone in this drama has done a tremendous job acting their asses off – they are really convincing, and I believe that is what distinguishes this drama.

Dislikes:

Yeon Jun annoyed me because he seemed to be playing with Gil Chae's emotions. He seemed harsh when he said that Gil Chae could have any man she wanted, but Eum Ae could only have him. Which was true, but it was still brutal, made worse by the fact that he almost broke down his wall, revealed his true feelings, and kissed her. My heart broke for Gil Chae, but it was exactly what she needed to mature. She needed to experience the fantasy and dream of one-sided love. Something that appeared to be perfectly crafted in her head, but was actually something entirely different in reality. I was relieved she chose to be selfless and encouraged Eum Ae to marry him instead. It was touching how she stood by her friend and assured her that she was worthy of being his wife and the best person for him. He still irritated me in the end because when it was time for him to step up, he didn't and made the lame excuse of not wanting to betray his country and maintain his pride, but all the characters literally suffered and were affected as a result of that one decision. He caused his wife and her friends/family to suffer as a result of his pride and stupidity, which is completely different from Jang Hyun in that regard because at least he is able to use his morals/judgment and be selfless even in difficult situations.

Let us now discuss Ryang Eum. He clearly idolizes Jang Hyun to the point where he believes he has developed strong, intense feelings for him. Jang Hyun saved Ryang Eum from a bad man who was torturing him when he was a boy, and his gratitude grew into adoration and love. While I don't blame him for feeling the way he does, the way he goes about being a driving force to keep Gil Chae and Jang Hyun apart is deceitful and dishonest. I'm not sure how he can face Gil Chae or Jang Hyun after literally betraying them both. Isn't he aware that he is the problem and the plot device / boulder in the way of their love? I'm sure he's smart enough to realize Jang Hyun will never feel the same way he does, will never return his affections, and yet he's hellbent on sabotaging them and then making pathetic excuses like "I thought she'd make you miserable"? I needed him to be so for real! He irritated me, but what is a drama without close friends betraying characters' trust and undercover foes driving the plot?

I also dislike the officer (Won Moo). At first, I was overjoyed at his kindness towards Gil Chae but disappointed when I realized he wanted more than friendship, that he wanted to marry her and offer her a more comfortable life. I guess the deciding factor for Gil Chae was when Won Moo said he would still have her knowing she had another man in her heart. That should have made me feel relieved but I was just so torn as all of this transpired while she thought Jang Hyun was dead. I was celebrating when I believed Gil Chae was going to go with Jang Hyun and the officer would have turned a blind eye and let her, but that did not happen because Won Moo chose to be cruel and let her mentally ill father loose in an attempt to bring her back home. While I wholeheartedly understand Gil Chae's motives, her duty to stay and take care of her family, as she is the sole provider for them, it didn't make the ending of the third act conflict any less painful. Jang Hyun and Gil Chae have been through so much that they deserve to be happy, with each other. I don't know what else to say other than I hope the officer dies. Just anything else just so Gil Chae can be with the man she truly loves. But of course, things are never that simple and we don't get what we want because life isn't fair and it seems like the ML and FL must always be facing obstacles that push them further apart.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the drama's historical accuracy is astounding. The costumes, scenery, and realistic depictions of the brutality of war is one of the best I've seen in a historical drama. The OST they used is simply stunning and heartfelt. The songs complement the story perfectly and leave an emptiness / yearning that just stays with you. Each episode held my attention, and I'm not going to lie, I've shed a few tears. So be sure to bring your box of tissues lol! My biggest fear is that this drama will end in tragedy. I really hope not. but even if it does I know that i'll stick around until the final episodes' credits roll.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m still reeling from this immense high. They gave cinema. They gave near perfection. It’s just that the ending pissed me off so much I wanted to rate it lower but I will stick to my initial thought. I am still waiting for things to get better They literally had me for more than half of the episodes and then completely shattered me with that ending. While I am aware it is a continuation to say I was disappointed / dissatisfied with the cliffhanger of an ending, is an understatement. I can empathize with Gil Chae and her motives behind choosing to stay for her father and her friends but it hurts to know that two people are so perfect for each other but can't be together (yet). They keep missing their timing, which is both frustrating and exciting.

Obviously, if you start this drama expect a simple and sweet love story, you should reconsider. This is not a drama for the faint of heart. Is it perfect? Yes and no. It's complicated, but that's kind of the point, and it's one of the reasons I enjoy this drama so much. I love how intricate the storylines and characters are. I like that this drama strikes a balance between highlighting the struggle of doing what is right versus doing what is necessary, delving into how far people are willing to go to survive and protect those they care about. This story was written for angst , slow burn, acts of service and pain / comfort lovers like me. In my opinion, these tropes have never hit harder, and I can't wait to see everything else that unravels in the future with these complex characters.

Sidenote:

(I am mad at myself for not watching it sooner but I was unable to start it knowing Part 2 would not be released until October. I started it last night October 12, 2023 and completed it this morning October 13, 2023. I am so excited for Part 2 but also worried because it might be a very sad ending)

I'm expecting more trials and tribulations, but I'm not too concerned because Gil Chae is a resilient person who I believe can and will face anything with a brave heart. Jang Hyun is also a very resourceful and determined man as well, so I doubt this is the end of their story.

The underlying message of this drama is that relationships require effort and that love is a choice people make every day rather than just a fleeting emotion. It demonstrates how two flawed people fight for each other without losing their sense of self-worth. This drama isn't about your typical delicate and frail damsel in distress waiting for a knight in shining armor to come and save her... instead, it's about how two people strive to be together despite all odds but trust that in the end they will have the courage and endurance to take care of themselves until they meet again.

With ALL of that being said, I gave it a 9/10 and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

(Thank you to all the beautiful and kind souls who actually read all this ❤️ )

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it was awful. I loved it.

yeah your eyes aren't deceiving you. everything was a 0/10 and I ate every single second up as if I was starving.

the story: the writers sat in a room and Jon from accounting said "BDSM Mafia Boss". one person said "what about the storyline?" "don't worry about it" Jon from accounting replied. "the hornies don't care about that." and they really stuck to that because except the lil quarrel they had in the end, nothing really happened. Until Jon from accounting said "you know what. throw in a threesome, but don't build up or follow up on it at any point ok?" and the room said "Sure thing, Jon".

acting: listen I've never seen these actors in any other show and I've read that they are supposed to be good........... BUT WTF WAS KAMOL DOINNNGGG the actor cracked me up. whatever emotion he was supposed to portray, I wouldn't know because of all the botox he apparently got done right before filming. like damn he was hardly able to smile and no way he was able to look angry. his forehead stayed perfectly smooth and gosh I loved it so much...

music: the evil piano music whenever Kamol entered........... It was perfect.

conclusion:
when I watched the first episode, I added this to the "dropped" list real fast. but then episode 2 came and I started to see it as what it is. peak camp. the piano music. whole scenes only for product placements. awkward acting and even more awkward sex scenes with 0 build up. Kamols only characteristic being head over heels for Kim...

everything was awful and it's my favourite show ever.

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The Best BL of all Time! So Go Watch!

I have never written reviews for anything but this drama forced me to write one. The recent surge of BL had us BL fans swooning however during the process the BL's lost its originality and offered the same plot with school/university/ engineering/love triangle/making all the females either villain or brainless fujoshi but with different actors. I am not bashing other bls but it was getting very repetitive.

But then BOOM! came this BL out of nowhere. Surprising us with its wholesome and refreshing original plotline. This is a story about an introverted salaryman who was just going with the flow of life and not much caring about love thus stayed as a virgin. However, when he turned 30 he was bestowed with the mind-reading ability and this is where folks one of the most hilarious yet MOST tender wholesome love story of the BL world's begun. Our protagonist, Adachi, finds out the popular and most perfect guy in the office, Kurosawa, has an intense crush on him.

Adachi is someone we all can relate to especially us introverts. He looks down on himself, lacks confidence, and always gives up fighting for himself and others when needed. But after he gained the power we could see the changes in him. He never once used his power for himself or to harm others rather he used them to help the people around him. He is becoming a better version of himself. Slowly but steadily he is overcoming his weakness for a better life.

Where else Kurosawa is completely opposite of Adachi. He is an extrovert person and the most popular guy in the office. He is a perfectionist in whatever he does. Girls go gaga on him including me. He is smart, handsome, confident, and knows how to carry himself. He is the go-to person, whenever someone faces any kind of problem. He is the perfect example of how a salaryman should be. However, when it comes to Adachi he loses his calms and his confidence wavers. All he wants is to stay beside Adachi and make him smile. Kurosawa will be happy and content as long as Adachi is happy and stay beside him even if as colleagues but that's going to change very soon though.

Cherry Magic has stolen my breath and my heart! Every week I anxiously wait for the new episodes like my life depends on it. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling and you can feel it from the very first interaction and you can feel as each episode progresses the chemistry intensifies. At first, honestly, I thought this will be like Ossan's love with overly comedic with little focus on romance especially when I read that the guy will have mind-reading power and the trailer also really didn't impress me but thank god I gave this gem of drama a shot and I fell in love.

The best thing about this drama is that all the characters no matter how small or big their role is very much like real life. All of us can relate to them in our life personally for me I could very much relate to Adachi and Fujisaki-san. Episode 4 touched my heart so deeply like no other bl could. Also, how could we forget our poor Kurosawa's fantasy?! Trust me it will make you laugh and giggle like a kid. Well, all episodes will make you giggle and scream in the middle of the night like a banshee in loose...or like a kid!

And to all the BL writers out there please learn from Kurosawa how to write perfect gentleman. Kurosawa even though is restless about his feelings for Adachi he never ever tried to force his feelings on Adachi. He is always respectful and he even felt remorse when the co-workers forced him to Kiss Adachi ( episode 3) albeit it was only a forehead kiss Kurosawa still felt bad which shows how considerate Kurosawa is and how much kindness and respect he has for Adachi.

This is a genuine love story between these two men that will warm your heart and soul...make you feel like you are on cloud 9. Make you feel fluffy and soft and gushy and will definitely make you say "EHHH!".

The thing with Japanese bl is that they don't need to show physical intimacy to convey their feelings. They can literally carry the whole show, with the same per as those that hugely depends on physical intimacy to gain popularity, with their eye contact and body language, and what acts they do for their loved one. Again I am not bashing anyone specific.

I think like most of you I am also not a fan of Japanese acting. They often feel cringe to me and made me stopped watching Japanese drama for a while. So for the people who are worried about the acting, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. The acting is actually top-notch. Both actors perfectly understood their characters and have dutifully are able to portray them just as they were written in manga. Machida is literally Kurosawa and no one can deny that!

To be honest I feel the live-action characters have more feel to them than the manga in my humble opinion. Also, the director did an amazing job of executing the story. And I am glad that they are adding their own original scenes to this adaptation and changing the timelines of specific scenes which I think will be more exciting.

The only con is the development of a side couple. Don't get me wrong I love them too. Tusge is a chaotic virgin that cracks me up every time he comes on screen and our cutie Wataya is such a tsundora lol. But I wished their story would have progressed with the same care as the main pairing but it's ok. This series is already a perfect 100 for me.

And Udon-Chan is love, Udon-Chan is life!

Listen guys once you start watching this series you will not be able to stop yourself from re-watching the currently out episodes again and again. I have already lost count of how many times I have re-watched the 5 episodes. Cherry Maho really spells a real cast at its viewers then we can't stop watching the series even if we want to.

So what are you guys waiting for join our Cherry Maho cult!

Sorry for such a long-ass review and I know I am not the best reviewer out there but hope this review at least is helpful to you lots.

Peace Out XOXO!


Edit- I have finally finished the whole series and my man I LOVE LOVE LOVE it so MUCH!! It was perfect!!! For me, the character development was so good. Adachi overcoming his fear of losing his power and mingling with people, understanding people without his power showed huge character development! Finally, Kurosawa can have his sweet life with Adachi. I do hope we get a season 2! I wanna see more of their sweet life. Call me greedy because I am. Fantastic ending to a fantastic series. Guys watch this show or else you will be missing out on the biggest gem of your life!

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