A Very Poor 7,5 Rate.Why?

Iam sorry but sometimes i really don't understand what is inside MDLers's heads.On what base and which criteria make them rate Dramas.

When you decide to watch a Drama,you read the synopsis,check the Cast,the Genres and the Tags.If you like any, or better all of them,you go for it.And the optional is to watch 1 or 2 episodes to make sure you like it or not.
So after,you quit or continue watching.If you don't like it just don't start/continue watching.Is that simple.
And for Fk's sake,save your stars for Rom-coms!Just to be clear,there is nothing wrong with Rom-coms.Is just me not into.
And definetely i will never rate any too low just because iam not into the Romance Genre.That was a personal comment,please no offense guys.

So back to the Drama.

I don't have much to write.
Production was excellent.Settings,sceneries,props,costumes.Nicely done.I loved the vibes from the different decades. All the meticulous details shows that they take their job seriously.
Direction,cinematography and Music.Nothing to complain about.Don't forget to check"Show Down" one of the main OSTs.

The Cast!Oh my!Stellar cast.For that only deserves a rate above 8!
Brilliant performances from everyone.Even the secondary characters were too good!
As for Choi Min Shik's acting..It will be a blasphemy to make any comment about it!This man is a Legend!

Story is engaging,characters are very interesting and the dialogues are pretty realistic.
I've read complaints about the flashbacks.Personally i loved every bit of those flashbacks.Was the best way to show us our main lead's past,story,connections and bonds.
Also the pace(another round of complaints about it)was just fine to me.Is a story which needs its time to unwrap and i've enjoyed every single episode.Never felt it was dragged.

Too much fuss because Big Bet is split into 2 Seasons.
Iam a binge-watcher.
I started watching S1 right after S2 has ended and the Eng subs were out.I did the same with "Island" & "Glory"
There are too many good dramas to watch while waiting for S2 and the in-between period was actually too short so i don't get all the nagging.

Iam writing all these because the 7,5 Rate most likely will prevent future watchers from giving Big Bet a chance,and this is a shame.
Of course everyone has his own opinion,tastes and preferences.And i respect all.
But in this platform we have the power (and the freedom)to write our opinions and to rate Dramas,accordingly.Please do not over use this power just cause you can.Giving low rates without a plausible ground is not cool.Generally speaking.

So,right now iam going to start S2 and iam pretty sure i will like it,equally.

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So far,The Best Kdrama of 2022!

This must apply as a rule :
"You know a drama is good when the very first scene of it,takes your breath away!"

Or at least this is what happened to me.I had the feeling is going to be realy good.I paused it exactly at the first 40 seconds of the very first episode.That long took me to fall inlove with Insider!I was already captivated by the direction,cinematography and music. The sound of the footsteps.the roulette..the chips.The slow-motion scene plus that thrilling music!Wow! All these,i repeat it-within 40 secs.Iam very serious.After that there was no way i would stop watching it. So even if you don't plan to watch this,please do me a favor and just watch those 40 secs.I bet you will change your mind!

I want to start with...

Music:♬ Howling ♬ and ♬You've Got Me Wrong ♬ the 2 main OSTs are to die for!So dark and moody songs,stuck in my head and i just loved them!I can't say more,go and listen them!All the other music themes were perfect too.You could feel the vibe of any scene just by listening to the music!

Production/Direction/Cinematography:This is a very expensive production.Ridiculously expensive!I was satisfied with everything!Every detail,every choise from props to costumes.Everything was perfect.Special mention to the make-up team.Our ML is beaten like crazy almost in the whole drama!Lol.His wounds,his bruises,his cuts,the blood,his swollen face.You think they were beating him for real!So realistic!Direction was smart and smooth.Cinematography at its best!Everything was well planned and well executed.Nothing was too much.Nothing seemed fake or "staged"Producers,director and cinematographers did an amazing job to bring to our screens the best visuals.


Cast/Acting: Most of the cast are Veterans,Skilled actors,noone can doubt their talent.Producers chose among the elite!So because i was familiar with almost all of them i already knew the acting would be phenomenal!
As for Kang Ha Neul,he was always the Prince Charming to me from Moon Lovers.I had to experience his performance in this drama to truly appreciate his talent!Amazing and Top notch acting.I felt his physical and emotional pain.I was suffering with him.I could feel his sorrow,his anger and his desperation.He delivered all the emotions!
With Insider he hit the jackpot,by choosing this role!And he totally nailed it.He shines here as the brightest star!

Characters: How exciting characters were they!Every char should be praised.Noone was a filler.Noone was a wasted screen-time.Everyone ,from main to supporting, played their part to the story.And i mean everyone.I can't analyze all the chars,i wish i could but it will take me hours because all left me with the best impressions.Even the chars with smaller roles,were well written and with depth.The writer devoted some serious time to develop them.
I have to say though that i haven't seen so many "dirty" characters gathered in one drama.Lol.Usually there is the main villain and 2 or 3 sub-villains!Here every char is dark,shady and rotten!Even the allies of our ML are all bad guys.The best among them at least killed once!The writer has a brilliant and twisted mind!Kudos!

Story/Plot:
The story is not quite original or unique,as the outline is Revenge.But still gets a 10 because is so well-structured.Even if sometimes is a bit confusing mostly cause there are many bad guys you have to memorize and categorize them and their alliances.As the episodes passing by it gets easier though.
I loved the Poker concept.All starts with a game.I play Poker-especially Hold'em-for many years,so this part of the drama wasn't confusing at all to me.The Poker scenes were the relaxing and fun part.The light break from the suspenseful,engaging and stressful story!
The way the story is build-up keeps all the suspense in high levels.The idea of an illegal casino inside a prison was indeed unique.That was something new!Part of the story is the "unfolding" of the characters,layer by layer.Another "trick" to keep our interest high.
The twists and turns are insane.There is a crazy good plot development.Absolutely mind-blowing.Always something keeps you at the edge of your seat.The moment you think you have all figured out,is the moment something big happens and turns all the tables!So you are back to square One,keeping your brain in motion!And that is what i loved the most about this drama.I never get bored.Never get tired of thinking the alternatives,the possibilities,the facts and all the infos i was given.On top of that it was entertaining too!
I can describe the story as a matryoshka doll.
Our ML always has a plan-B.A backup to his plan-B too.Or better say he uses almost the whole alphabet for his plans!!
His plots,his plans,his tricks and his traps!A true Mastermind.Just wow.As i said mind-blowing.
The phrase "Ace up his sleeve" suits perfectly here.Literally and figuratively!
This drama is made of gold.The good stuff.No joke.I haven't found one single flaw.Iam sure there are few but even so,i don't care.This series was a thrilling ride.Gave me fun.Excitement.Brain work-out.Great Visuals.Fine OST.Amazing acting.16 hours well-spent.What else should i ask from a drama?Oh!And don't forget to say.NO Romance at all!The best part was the lack of it!!
So do not ask me if i recommend this one.All i have to say is 'DON'T MISS IT!"

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Sweet & Cute

Ok i just finished this,i started it this morning so everything is all fresh.
This is a very plain story,Friends to lovers.Thats all.No character development,no deep and complicated thoughts.
Just two cuties confessing their love to each other.
One episode totally broke me(i wont say which,no need to spoil it)and i was like "WTF!!" "Why?why?Whyyyyyyyyyyy??"
but everything cleared up eventually.
Lets dip into some details.Sometimes the acting was-let me phrase it in a polite way-awkward.Like yeah you can feel the actors were actually..acting.Awkward!there was chemistry but seemd forced sometimes.Mostly by one of the main leads,the other was pretty decent.2nd detail.the directing was also awkward Iam not an expert but as a viewer lots of times bothered me.
The secondary couple was ok.Nothing wow there.
And after reading all these im sure you wanna ask me why i gave it a 9!Is it a real 9?Tbh,NO is not.
But in almost every episode i remember myself smiling.I had a nice time watching it and at the end i didnt say i wasted my time.
And i made a promise to myself.Every time i watch a BL i will NOT compare it to another series(yes yes you all KNOW which series iam reffering to!!)
Oh and dont forget to mention those Cameos!ohhhhhhhhhh melted my little heart!Watch it and you will see!

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Save 6 hours to watch this!

I will keep this short.
Netflix or not i don't care!That one was a great mini-series.6 hours well spent.I watched it in one sit.Just finished.

Decided to start it because it is based on a true story.That was the bait!
Ofc nothing new here.Story about drug Lords,bloody money,corruption power and undercover operations.A good classic recipe.
To be honest my curiosity drove me here and in the back of my head i had the idea to drop it after watching the 1st episode.
But i didnt drop it.I was glued to my seat.
Cast was excellent.Just get a glimpse.I dont need to say more.As for the acting.I don't have words!
Superb!Realistic.For seminars.New actors must watch take notes and learn.
The story covered everything in just 6 hours.It has a start a course and a clear end.

If i had to complain about something that would be the music-but i didnt pay too much attention tho i just felt i missed it-
Also few times the editing was weird,kinda rough.
And my final complain is about the story.I wanted to know what happened to all those believers.As the Pastor was running actually a cult within his drug business.

Although is not a typical series for a female audience i strongly recommend it!(and obviously iam not the typical female audience Lol!)

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Surprisingly good and beyond!

It is official.This was my first GL.Well actually not a real Gl due to censorship but it doesn't matter.I came here for the Girl's Love and stayed for everything else.Iam not yet too familiar with Chinese dramas/actors but i already know iam fascinated by Chinese Republican Era.And iam so glad this series gave me Killer & Healer vibes!(still one of my top 3 Bls)

So let's dive into this underrated gem!

Acting/cast: I don't know any of the actors but i will definetely follow their work in the future if the genre is right for me.I gave acting a 9 because nothing felt off.

Music:Emblematic!Amazing!Dressed all the scenes so beautifully.I loved intro and outro and never skipped(i usually do skip)
Loved both visuals and songs alhough i didn't understand a word!

Production:High valued.Costumes,hair,makeup,props,scenery.Everything nicely done.

Cinematography: The main reason this series gets a 10 from me.
The Director of Photography did an AMAZING job.I searched but i couldn't find his/her name.But still Cudos!You have my endless admiration for your work.
The rotation of the camera,the angles,the frames,the colors like an old painting.The slow-motion scenes!The zoom in's and out's..Fantastic.Just a fantastic job!Even if the story was a mediocre (which is NOT) i still would give a 10 because of the cinematography alone.This series was a pure pleasure to my eyes.Iam not an expert obviously but as a viewer i was more than satisfied!The artistic part was perfect!

Story/plot.An easy to follow story,Never get bored.I wanted more episodes though.12 werent enough to me!There were few gaps in the background stories of our MFLs.They could develop it more.Still story was very interesting.
You watch one episode and you think this is how the story goes so far.You watch the scenes only to find out that those scenes were actually incomplete,and you will discover this in a latter episode.So you realize the story wasn't complete either!So surreal!You have to watch to fully understand the magic behind this.And all due to the cinematography!I know i repeat myself!

Characters:An evil husband.A snake friend.I will not get into those 2 chars but both were very interesting and contributed to the story the best.
A detective.He is such a sweet person.Smart,hard-working,dedicated to his job.Good looking too!He figured all out but couldn't prove anything due to lack of evidence.I sympathized him and although he is messing with my beloved girls i can't hate him!
Xu You Yi:One of our main leads.She looks delicate,fragile,naive and weak.Like a porcelaine doll.She is beautiful too.
But underneath she is nothing like this.She is a strong,stubborn,smart and independent woman with high values and sense of justice.She didnt let herself to be under her husband's power.A well written character, especially for that era she was kinda a rebel!Lol.
Yan Wei:The 2nd main lead.The character i loved the most.Actually i loved everything about her.How someone with such an angelic face can be such a badass?She is lethal.Capable with guns.A skilled assassin.Her past is shady,dark and troubled.
I loved how she acts when she is around You Yi.Overprotective towards her.Jealous,sweet,shy,clumsy.Liked her social awkwardness.Loved all the sweet and funny moments they shared.I can't imagine how much funnier and interesting it could be if not censored.
I didn't expect to fall inlove with this series.I want,i need,i demand and i wish for a second season and soon!
Please give it a try.And feel free to comment and tell me if you liked it or not.I wanna know if iam the only one who got hyped!
Thank you for reading my review!

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Give Café Minamdang more Love!

I have put great "Hits" on ice after watching 1 or 2 episodes.And there are still in my On Hold List.I thought the same would happen with Café Minamdang.So many bad reviews.So many bad ratings.I admit i was too hesitant to start it.I usually trust my instincts(not only about watching Dramas,lol)and i though is better to waste one hour of my life and watch the first episode rather than rejecting it without giving it any chance.Main reason -i can't lie-was Seo In Guk.Although i usually don't follow his work as he participates mostly in series with heavy romance ,and i try my best to avoid the genre!
But i know he is a very good actor.He was brilliant in Hello Monster.A role of a Shaman here!Yes why not?
So i hit "play" and i was lost in this crazy squad's world.I didn't even realize when the first episode ended.And i already knew it.I was falling shameless!

First let's talk about all the great things this Drama has.

Music:i can guarantee it.You will instantly fall for all the OSTs,music themes and every single note plays here.
My two favorite are Stay Awake & Endless Night.(though Ghost Buster is very funny so check it out too!)

Production /Direction/Cinematography:Feel safe.Everything is well made.The quality is Top.
Special credits to Costume Team for the amazing.colorful and fashionable suits the ML wears!

Cast/Acting: Everyone delivered the feelings and vibes of his/her role to maximum.Seo In Guk's role has both comedic and emotional parts and once again he was amazing.His facial expressions and the body language took over the speaking part of his role.He would deliver every emotion even if the role was without lines!

Characters:

The Dynamic Trio:
Nam Han Joon,ML:A conman a fake Shaman ex criminal profiler .Super Smart a sweet talker,super sexy.He has his own agenda and his own motives.He is a man in pain fighting for justice.--No spoilers needed--

Gong Soo Cheol, a private detective:Ml's best friend working together.Partners in scamming!A giant bear kicking asses,also saving Ml's ass numerous times!He is sweet,naive and with a golden heart.He is hilarious as well.

Nam Hye Joon,ML's younger sister.Super smart too(is in the genes!LOL)An elite hacker,the team i bet can't survive without her.Funny and colorful character.With colorful hair!

Han Jae Hee,The Detective:Stubborn,hot headead.Annoying as hell most of the time.Another char with a hidden agenda and secrets.Badass.she loves giving punches!Kicks asses better than men.

---Side Note related to the Female Lead---

Judging by most of the reviews almost all have problems with this character.Many -said-dropped the drama cause of her,which is really sad but respected.

It seems that the Annoying Female Lead char,is the necessary "evil" in most Kdramas.Writers should finally listen to the viewers and change the bad habit of creating annoying female chars who shouts instead of speaking and acting hysterically at any time.This is not attractive.It doesnt give depth to the character and we have enough of this old fashioned trope.
We need more down to earth female chars.Realisic female roles.Women can be strong and smart.Can debate and argue in the most civil way without need to raise their voice and act like "kittens".
Unfortunately the annoying type is the rule and not the exception.Writers WAKE UP!You,yourselves ruins your own scripts.
Where can i file an official complain?Lol!
---End of Side Note---

Story/Plot:

Ok,let me start by saying.Please check the Genre.Says Mystery & Comedy.
For me firstly this Drama is a well written Comedy.A Series with endless fun,hilarious moments and funny characters.
Read my Lips(just saying!)CO-ME-DY!This Drama is the definition of this Greek word.My language!So don't be mistaken.Noone fools you here.If you decide to watch this prepare yourself for many silly moments.
To make it more juicy the writer decided to add Mystery too.And the dose of mystery is sufficient to tie the fun and the serious part in a nicely done blend which can satisfy both comedy and mystery lovers.
Definitely it has NOT the gravity of a good and solid Crime/Mystery Drama as is more based on the fun element.And in my opinion that is the reason for the many bad reviews.Because viewers expected a flawless crime drama so most they are disturbed about not finding this here.I totally respect this.Is everyone's choice to hate or love it.I chose to love it because i had so much fun.I loved all the characters,even the annoying female detective.If you give this a chance i bet you will laugh 9 out of 10 scenes.After all that is the purpose of a comedy.
Also many said the romance here was forced and unnecessary.Not true.And take this from someone who always looking for the minimum romance when i search series and i get blisters with the idea of any cheesy romantic story!
Both primary and secondary couple's love story was light, funny and cute and added the right dose of fluffiness'.

Something else i really liked was the "epilogue" at the end of each episode.Was always the more serious part of the story.A concentrated review /explanation of what we saw.That was a very fine touch to me which added more credits to the Drama.

Ofc iam not blind not to see all the flaws and negatives Cafe also has.The time line is not the best,It can be confusing.Plot holes?Yes of course there are.I have my objections too over few things about the story.
The never-aged Shaman Lady and the "who is older/younger than whom" was silly enough.I know!(you will understand if you watch what i mean)
But all these weren't enough to make me hate this Drama.Flaws exists even in masterpieces.
I watched this non-stop.Never hesitated to hit the next episode button.I didn't put in "on hold"I had fun i laughed A LOT.I trully enjoyed it.
I admired Seo In Guk's versatility.That was a different role to see him in and iam glad i chose Cafe.
So my last thought is...

Give it some ❤ It deserves it!

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A Big Fat Nothing!

I couldn't be more angry about myself right now.I just finished this...whatever was it.A total waste of my time.Time i cannot take back.
I didn't know i have the "Never Drop Syndrome" otherwise i should have dropped this after the first episode.

I deserve a reward for making it through the last episode.And all 12 eps really tested my patience.

Iam trying hard to find one positive thing to mention.Iam so sorry i can't, Just can't.
Always i want to check and decide myself about any Drama,despite the bad reviews.All the bad ones here,trust me are 100% true.

Awful Script,Story,Plot and Characters.
Terrible Acting.
Bad sex scenes and probably the worse kiss scenes ever!You will not find not even one decent kiss here.
BL Industry is not for everyone....

The main concept, having 2 players who are sleeping around,enjoy one nights stands and are allergic to any commitment or relationship,was interesting and kinda hot,in theory.

So after their first one night stand they decided to be F*** Buddies.
Rule No1:
There is NO room for jealousy when you agree to casual sex.
Rule No2:
When you start having feelings for your F*** Buddy,not only you walk away,but you literally RUN.
And clear things as soon as possible.
Otherwise you suck it,hide all your feelings and just stick to sex.

The idea of those 2 guys falling in love with each other wasn't new or original but it was exciting and i was waiting for their development.Yes i was too naive to expect any kind of development.

I really can't figure what kind of therapist Fahlan needed.A Sex therapist to tame his inner beast(LMAO),or a Psychologist
to control his Inflated EGO.

As for the Sherbet guy,one thing is for sure.He definitely MUST attend every AA's meeting in the whole country.
We all been at our 20's loving parties and drinking but oh boy!Here he was too much!liver failure will knock his door too soon!

As for the rest characters...A bunch of cry babies.Thats all.And the setup wasn't in high school.So if you have decided your characters are all adults,let them behave like real adults!
The only exception,reasonable and down -to- earth character was Pink.Except the crazy fan girl part of course.

I have never rated any Drama that low and i trully hope i will not in the future,because that was a traumatic experience and i definitely don't want to relive!

2022 gave us some amazing Bls we will remember for a long time.Today i just need a magical button to erase everything about Fahlanruk in my memory.
Cheers to all the heroes who completed this Series!

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A Weirdly Appealing Drama!

"The Disappearing Child " & "The Bad Kids " This one gave me similar vibes.So if you have watched any of those you easily get the mood.

Nobody Knows requires your full attention and your full patience.Yes is one of these Dramas you cannot play with your mobile/cat/dog while watching.And you have to dedicate yourself to it because it is not an easy watch.

Beautiful Cinematography.Emotional Music scores.Clever Direction which pulls all the right strings to make you feel a large range of emotions.Incredible and natural acting too.Zero complaints about any technicality.

As always i started it because of the Murder/Crime case.That was the "click bait" to me.Once again i fell into the same trap like a fool.The synopsis is quite misleading.Do not fully count on it.Its just the general frame.

The format regarding the timeline is weird,messy and confusing as hell.There is not a clear past-present or future.You follow the story with only indicator the time stamp which appears on your screen as a guide.
You watch the scenes and you are completely clueless about them.Because the flashbacks turns to be...flash-forwards!
I swear i paid full attention while watching.But for 10 freakin episodes in a row,i had the feeling i was missing very important details.(and this made me doubt my IQ!)But no!I did pay attention and i didn't miss any detail.
Don't worry.Every confusing scene will be cleared and fully explained in the latter episodes,so everything will make a perfect sense.

Because everything became more clear after the 10th ep.The story about the murder case(s) starts to unfold.Until then it was only a sub-plot,like the writer forgot about it.Too late for my taste,if you ask me,but at that point my interest shifted to the amazing and so well written characters,so my initial anger cooled down really fast.(because i started it with the impression it was a hard core murder case drama!)


The pace is really slow,takes its sweet time to tell the story.Which is mostly about the heartwarming friendship between the 4 main leads.Surprisingly to me i found the dialogues pretty realistic and the teen-agers' struggles,fears and hopes were too real.Going back many-many years ago(lol)i felt i could relate.And i think this is the biggest advantage of this series.The realism of every character.Made me feel for them and it was easier to follow up with everything.Because when you just don't care about the main characters there is no way to like the drama,right?

It is a fully detailed story about those kids lives.And i felt the urge as an adult,to advise them,guide them,protect them from life's hardships.I wanted to give them a big hug and assure them that everything is gonna be alright.Damn i had no idea before starting it,that will touch me in so many different ways.

If you decide to start watching it,remember to be patient.And please,do not drop it even if you are tempted to.
The last episode will pay you back for all the previous 15 eps.At least,i can guarantee you that!

"If i can save a heart from breaking...
I haven't lived in vain.

If i can take a person's pain away or relieve a person's grief
or help a lost robin to return to it's nest..
I haven't lived in vain"

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A Bizarre and not so easy to watch Drama

Nice Intro.Music well chosen to fit the mood.Decent Direction & Cinematography.Good acting,actors delivered the heavy and dark vibes this Drama has.Technicalities is a strong point here but everything is basically focused on the story and the characters.
I can say this series is closer to the Japanese style and the way of JDramas presenting a story.

So the Story is building up mostly through the flashbacks.The characters are introduced to us through their past and we get to know them and understand the connection between them.

One day a child is missing.Gone within few minutes almost infront of his parents' eyes.And this is how the Drama starts.
The main story(missing kid)is tied and connected with the other 2 Main chars, their stories and their lives, although all seem irrelevant at the surface.
Something happened in the past and that was the fuse to ignite the unfortunate chain of events.Everything is vague which leading us to think multiple theories and scenarios about who is who and his/her part in this story.
All characters,victims or perpetrators,are not likeable.I didn't sympathize anyone because all were too shady in my eyes.For me that was an extra reason to like it more.

They are(...not)ordinary people.
You can(...not)trust your neighbor,friend,husband,kid.
There aren't(...???)monsters among us.

The Policewoman who is in charge of the case is very efficient at her job.She has a smart thinking,she pays attention to details and she follows all the clues. Totally opposite of the usual police portrayal.

The Disappearing Child has a very slow pace.Occasionally slower than slow!And yes,sometimes feels boring and you are tempted to drop it!I was close,too!Many repetitive scenes.Half of it has the same scenes,driving you crazy!Actually the scenes from previous episodes complete those from the current.Sometimes overlapping or adding few new details.As the Drama goes,though,those scenes are necessary for us to understand better the time-line.(Which in the first place seems way too messy) But somehow the mystery is piling up enough to keep you hooked despite the snail-pace.Lol.


This one is a weird Drama.The weird kind which confuses you and you don't know how to rate it,whether to recommend it or not and at the end you still don't know if you liked or hated it.During the first half i felt like a masochist,enduring such a slow drama not only in story telling but slow in filming too.(Not that it gets faster in the second half,Lmao). If you can restrain your urge to break your laptop/tv screen,then go for it!But as i mentioned, it has a twisted appeal and beauty,and you keep watching although you don't feel like wanna continue watching!It is depressing and sad.A slice of a hard life.Definitely,not for everyone.If you are in a bad mood,don't watch it.It won't cheer you up.Though,the last episode gives a ray of hope and light to warm the hearts.Was really sweet.

Aside the jokes,this is not a negative review.It is an interesting Drama,in its own way.If you decide to watch it,give it extra time and patience.It is a nice journey.

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Same old story,yet so new!

My first thought about this was "why the heck they decided a remake of this one?And with the same actors?Nah!Im not gonna watch it!"

But i did watch it.And Surprise!I liked it.A lot!It was fresh and light and fluffy and sweet and...I don't have to apologize to anyone!I liked it!Lol!
Nothing new.Same good Bl University recipe.Cute characters.Angst.Jealousy.Same old good misunderstandings.The annoying girlfriend too.
So do not expect to watch anything you haven't already seen in the vast sea of BL World.
At first i was sceptical because of the length of each episode.Hourly eps are like a double blade knife.
Either you get bored easily,or you can't get enough of it.And the fact that i had to wait 2 days for the last episode to be translated, made me angry!


If you have already seen the old version iam sure you have definitely noticed the huge improvement and development in our MLs acting skills.I was amazed.I didn't expect this.From the awkward stiff and annoying acting to natural playful and enjoyable performances in this one.I felt like a proud mom bragging about her kids!!
Well done Yin & War! Susu Na!


There is no need to analyze it further.Tbh,theres not much to talk about.Simple story.Handsome actors.Many butterflies ? in stomach too.Thats all you need.

And not forget to mention their shower scene and that kiss!Easily one of the best kisses of 2022 in Bls!
For this alone you must stop reading this and go watch it!

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A rough Diamond which gradually smooths.Still a Gem,right?

The Devil Judge left me with a void.I was waiting too long for Ji Sung and Adamas to fill this void.No need to say he is one of my favorite actors and i will always follow his projects.

Too much talk about this.People hate it.Some others love it.But noone is indifferent!
Apparently i belong to the latters.No matter the hatred this series receives,i will defend it!
So here are all my thoughts about it.

Music: 6 AMAZING OSTs,6 beautiful,melodic and sensual songs.You will never skip the Outro.All plays in turns there and you will add them in your playlist for maximum pleasure!
"All About You" stole my ❤! And " Rain On Me" made me wanna dance!

Cast/Acting : Too many stars shines in Adamas.Stellar performances.Every actor contributed with his/hers passionate,realistic,brilliant acting.
I thought Ji Sung would be the scene stealer and ofc his acting is incredible.But everyone's acting is at Top Tiers.
Noone was "less" good than anyone.


Production /Direction/Cinematography:I may sound like a broken record when i have to analyze this part of a KDrama,but i can't find better words.Best Value and quality.Brilliant.Stunning.Excellent.Perfect!
I think it is easier to find a KDrama with poor quality and issues,as 90% of them,are indeed Top Notch regarding these features.I thought Insider had the best Cinematography of 2022.Adamas stole the scepter and left it in Second place.And i don't think any other Drama until the end of the year will surpass it.
Iam sorry iam repeating myself but the filmmaking here is PERFECT!Every scene,shot,angle and frame could easily be a painting to hang it in your living room!Yes this series made me too excited about cinematography,i can talk hours about it!I just wanna say the film crew deserves special thanks along with all the talented actors.
About chairman's residence,iam speechless.I mean is this place even real?Lol!Estate?Mansion?Because definitely i can't call it house!

Characters:

The Twins: Prosecutor is hot-headed, acts impulsively.He is loud, makes irrational choices.He has brains but most of the time rushes to solve evrything and he makes mistakes. He is scared to jump from a 2m wall.Like a normal human being!How cool is that?I loved all his flaws and weaknesses just because he is a "real" character.The Writer let the smart and heroic side to the other twin to balance things..Writer is the voice of logic.More "perfect" than his brother. Smart,witty,he can turn a bad situation at his benefit.He acts only after he had everything planned.He is always few steps ahead.Not as sentimental as his brother,he keeps few secrets too.It would be annoying and even silly for both twins to be super smart, super brave and super efficient in everything.This significant difference makes the twin characters unique and interesting.


The Reporter:She messes and complicates things.Actually she is one of the main key players and she is a great help to brothers' plans but she has her own way.She is a very important character .A base character ,big part of the story is built around her.Yes she is "that annoying character" we can't avoid it!Once again we have to suck it and endure this.(although other female chars shines brighter than her in this Drama)She is not stupid.She is brave enough to get herself in the center of the events.She is more compatible with the Prosecutor,in terms of personality.

The Chairman:The main Villain(played ofc by -who else than Lee Kyung Young.-You can't call yourself a Kdrama fan if you don't know him.Lol!)He is the utmost bad guy and the not so much of a bad guy,until he becomes again the ultimate villain.Confused?Yes the scale of his "evilness" varies from episode to episode!

Ms Kwon,the Butler:From the first minute she appears on screen you hate her.Like really -really hate her guts.The actress did an amazing job for sure!And yes indeed the Butler always knows everything.She keeps all the dirty secrets of the family and her involvement in the story is crucial.

Eun Hye Soo,
The Daughter in-Law!A great and intriguing female character(Finally!!!)Cold.Smart.She carries a lot of pain and she wants revenge.She calculates everything.She knows how to handle situations and avoid traps.She is bold and not afraid to make hard decisions.I don't know if there is a term but i can describe this role as "a negative character development"Almost in the whole Drama we get to see one face, one aspect of her character.One side.But in latter episodes she is like Janus coin!Two-sided, a well hidden shady side,a scary one.For me the most interesting character.Not likeable but you definitely can't ignore her. The King is Dead.Long Live The Queen!


Story/Plot:
Ok let me be a nagger here.

So many complains."pace is too slow..is so boring..nothing really happens.Story and acting is so lame."
I mean seriously people?Yes it is a slow paced.Is 16 hourly episodes but every episode gives us a little somehing.The structure of the plot is build-up by layers.The story is unfolding with the right dose.Not too slow,not too fast.What exactly expected?To reveal all within 6 episodes and the next 10 will be just fillers and unnecessary romance?I was afraid i got bored easily based on the bad reviews.For me the "trick" is always the first episode.If i don't drop the drama after ep 1 most likely i will watch it non-stop.There are dramas which need extra patience and Adamas is one of them.I do not find this bad as long as there are interesting characters and a story which makes sense.It is not sloppy.It is not bad written and executed.Is an intriguing drama.

The main leads are not the super heroes who can solve everything in 5 minutes,take out all the bad guys and live happily ever after!Whats the point if everything was served to us fast and easy?Yes i know iam the Devil's Advocate here.But someone should be, because is a pity good Dramas like this fall in a fire pit. Ji Sung once again shines,in this double role.Prosecutor and writer has 2 totally different personalities.Never once you are confused about who is who.The annount of effort and dedication he puts here is amazing. So please, saying his acting was lame, is unrealistic.Fan of him or not it doesn't matter.He can act, he has tons of talent and noone can doubt it.

Twists and turns here and there,strategically planted.Not too many but trust me they come with a Big Bang! It is not an "awe" situation every 10 minutes.As i said the key here is patience.This is one of those Series the villain is so damn genius,a true mastermind,you think he deserves to win over the good guys!
The story is set like a chess game.Every player,pawn and every move is brilliant.Traps and catches.Betrayals.Noone can trust anyone.Every alliance is too fragile,easily can shift at any time.So if someone thinks this is boring...i rest my case!

Debates,arguments and fights i bet will occur within us,the viewers,after today's last episode.Iam not spoiling anything.I just convey my opinion.Yes it wasn't exactly what expected BUT I LOVED IT!Not the typical ending.not the "orthodox" one.You can call it a tiny plot twist.And i don't mind at all i didn't get the expected ending.The writer(not the twin!)fooled us here.Nicely done!No complains.


I believe every review is helpful.Take the best out of each one.Judge by yourself.Give it a try,watch 1 or 2 episodes(remember,Patience!) and why not?Take a leap of faith.You won't regret it!

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What a little surprise!

I usually don't watch such short formats.Right or wrong, i always think it will be a waste of time(despite the very short length )because either the budget is limited,or cannot give a satisfactory story.

This one really impressed me.I liked it very much mostly because i like the Era and the Spy theme.
I don't know their budget but definitely nothing seemed cheap.On the contrary.The visuals are really good,the direction was on point,music fitted perfectly.There are some issues with the editing and the acting wasn't for seminar but..ok!

The two eye candies were adorable!I have seen one of them in "The Blood of Youth" but the other is new to me.
Either way,they both wear their suits with such elegance and look so fine in them,i was distracted most of the time and could easily overlook all the flaws,lol.

You can tell,there is a story here.Yes unfortunately it is not detailed enough.We don't get any background and we know nothing about our protagonists past.It is like they were thrown to the present and we follow the story,onwards.So it is better to set your brain in the relax mode and don't ask many questions cause you won't get many answers!
The start is a bit confusing but nothing to give you a hard time.

It has many silly moments.And many funny moments.Few serious and many sweet too!The fight scenes were good,especially those in the last episode were trully amazing.Also the iconic scene from Goblin,which is copied so many times in so many dramas is here too,and is done right.I really enjoyed it.The leads have chemistry and it shows.I spent a very pleasant afternoon.

I know many wondering whether this is a BL or not.This is my opinion.
It is an unquestionable BL in disguise.an untagged Censored Adaptation Of Same-sex,a heavy bromance.Call it what you like.Noone can tell me those two don't have romantic feelings for each other.You can't officially call The Devil Judge a BL.It isn't though??Same here!If this was longer and had few kisses too,it would be a perfect 10!
Give it a try!

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Holy Sh*t,that was GREAT!

I started this one with no expectations.I just was in the mood and the very short synopsis sounded really interesting.Plus is only 8 episodes so i didn't hesitate at all.
I rarely watch Thai Dramas unless is a BL.Iam not familiar with non -BL actors and iam clueless about Thai productions in general.

Iam speechless about the Top quality of this Drama.I always praise the Koreans,but this one is at top tiers indeed.
Direction & Cinematography at its very best pulls you immediately in the dark and gripping story.Sometimes too dark to handle..literally!!As many scenes are shooted with the minimum light.But the dark atmosphere added alot.I totally loved all the cinematic techniques they used.

My only complain is about the music which wasn't intense enough for such a strong and dark story.Unfortunately this factor ruined the perfect 10 this production deserves.(iam not talking about my final rate only about the technicalities)

Cast & Acting.I don't know any of the actors i can't really judge their skills as never saw them before but from what i saw here everyone was just fine,and almost perfect for their roles.

Story & Characters.
Unique and very interesting story.Not beating around the bush.It has a very straightforward plot.
We've been introduced to the main characters and their motives from the very start.
There is cheating,adultery, two couples and a magical and evil mobile phone which deletes people.
And the 2 love birds decides to get rid of their legal better halves.And here starts the trouble.Lol.
I will not get into any discussion about morality,how bad cheating is bla bla.Take it as it is because yes cheating is the main reason everything started.
I owe to tell you that you will not get any answers about the device(who made it,when,how and why)so don't be disappointed because of it.Just follow the story and let yourself immerse into it.Also we don't get to know the characters in depth but still we can understand them.
Obviously there are not loveable characters.Everyone is victim and perpetrator at the same time.
There are few twists and turns which makes this drama more juicy and spicy.
Don't "hate" the ending.Someone may think is an open one,some other -like me-is ok with it.Again just enjoy the ride.

No spoilers no tips and no explanations.Iam telling you Delete totally worths your time.You will be pleasantly surprised.
Strongly recommend that!

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Like an Ancient Greek Tragedy.

First things, first.
I had put on hold The Smile Has Left Your Eyes,the Korean version, for very long time.Ive watched few episodes a year ago but for a reason it didn't pull me in.And i remember being really annoyed by the Female Lead.Cherry on top,by accident ive watched the last scene in youtube and that was the final bummer.

Recently i have discovered Kimura Takuya and his talent,he is my latest obsession and iam watching his works back to back.So while searching another Drama with him starring in,i found this one.And hit me hard because a year ago i didn't notice the Korean was a remake and this was the original.So without any hesitation -did i mention the word obsession?-i started watching it.Finished it in 2 seats and of course iam so happy i found it,im even thinking give another try to the Korean.I must put more faith to Seo In Guk and Park Sung Woong!

The things i loved was obviously the story and the acting mostly.

Kimura was simply amazing and i liked the 2nd Ml's acting as well.
As for the ladies here, Shibasaki Ko(who co-starred with Kimura in other dramas too) was great, but the rest didn't really impress me.


Honestly what i really didn't like was all female characters!Lol.Yes i have an issue of how writers write the female roles and i can't repeat it in every review i write!So i stop here.
Poorly written from the main FL to all the rest,although every single character was crucial to the story.
It would be better to be few episodes more and give us more detailed characters.

The Detective character has flaws too and i mostly "blame"him for all the mess and the path the story took..But of course if he was more clear and honest with his sister and didn't keep all those secrets, there would not be a story, so yes..bear with him!

As for the main Ml,if this role hadn't played by Kimura it would be just a good character.His performance took it to another level and iam saying this because i have few complains too about this character.Although many said he is a true monster,a manipulator and evil as hell,i totally disagree.There was not one single moment i hated him or cursed him or saw him like an evil char.I loved his dark soul.Loved all his pain.His cold face and heart. His past molded him.He built all those walls to defend himself.A natural mechanism. Self-preservation.For me all the women in his life actually took advantage of him and not the opposite! I was supporing him,truly wanted him to find peace and the love he deserved.He just took a glimpse of all these.This character broke my heart into a million pieces.

My only complain is that i wanted to present this character with more depth and give us more insight of his true feelings.His past and his story was rushed too.Id prefer to gradually built up during the whole drama and not revealing just in the last eps.

So the story is dark and twisted.Darker than you can imagine.Prepare yourself for a ride straight to abyss and back.
The ending was the most appropriate one.It could't be otherwise.It was the saddest perfect ending this story could have.A Catharsis,in a way..
I know the Korean version is the most popular(i will definetely rewatch it because iam curious to compare now that ive watched this).
If by any chance you haven't watched the Korean,start with the original,cause the story will stay with you for a long time.If you have watched it,still give this a try,especially if you like the more dark version,as the Jdramas are always more twisted!

Anyhow,enjoy!

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Not exactly what i signed for...

It seems lately i mostly disagree with the Public Opinion as i see and rate Dramas under a different prism!
After all this is the beauty of diversity.

Popular or unpopular ,this is my opinion.Big Mouth is not the Super-Duper Hit everyone says it is.Not to me.Don't get me wrong.Is a good Drama.But nothing more than this.It has not the big wow factor i expected.I will be honest, i struggled a lot to push the next episode button especially in the first period of the Drama..I wasn't excited to see what will happen .I couldn't connect with the characters.I was bored with those flashbacks.I wouldn't care less about the couple's past and love story.I didn't care about their sweet and emotional moments.Fortunately those scenes weren't long enough so that is basically the reason i didn't drop or put it on hold,at least for a while.

In early episodes everything was just Meh!The most plain scenario,characters who just not fit to the shoes the writers put them in.I was extremely disappointed.

The main lead wrongly or not, accused and/or trapped and he ended in prison to be in a very short time the Big Boss around there.He suddenly became a Criminal Mastermind when in episode 1 he was introduced to us as not a very smart person.He took the Bar exams twice til he passed and " He is also an infamous lawyer with a very low rate of success " as synopsis says. And he wasn't a notorious murderer or a Big Mafia boss to earn the fear and respect of the other prisoners.

He was a conman,he was, hypothetically or not,scamming people, stole their money etc.With such a cute face and young at age i had hard time to believe he was ferocious and scary.How on earth evil criminals bought it and were shitting their pants at his sight? And seriously who would ever think that an "old dog" an "experienced" prisoner/cellmate could be a shield to him and take a stab instead?When he barely knew him? Even if he promised to grant him a favor still risking his life was too much to take.
Do i also have to ask another obvious question?On what ground he was walking around throwing promises and favors he could never fulfill? Because by that time we clearly saw he didn't have the background for all these.Neither the money nor the connections,etc etc. Iam sorry but all those stupid details really bothered me. Don't mention the excellent fight skills he just got out of the blue and he was kicking asses like a Pro.When he himself even said he never threw a punch in his entire life.I get the "survival instinct" but i mean come on!That was far fetched.Seriously i was surprised noone mentioned the obvious here.It was only me who was annoyed by all those unrealistic details?

I read many compared this with Insider!!No,no and NO!Please don't.No need to get into this fight!Lol!.To me Big Mouth is a distant relative of Insider.

Big Mouth is a bad imitation.Little something from Defendant (the warden Officer and the prison guard,cellmates bond)
Doctor Prisoner(with the accidents and the fake sick leaves)
Insider (with the Vips and their special ward)


The chain of events most of the time just not make any sense.And even if few things are explained in the next episode(s),still nothing seems plausible.
Writers give me something to chew on.I can't swallow nonsense so easily.Don't give me Dyspepsia.
What irritates me the most is the fact that the story is build on so many lousy details,you just can't ignore it!
I lost my interest about who the real Big Mouse was,too soon.Normally i would have spent hours during the whole show to solve the puzzle.Here i didn't even bother.I was watching episodes using the minimun brain cells.Too bad and too sad because the premises and the hype was high enough to draw my attention but....

The main idea inside writers' head was really good.But they lost their way somehow.In their try to create suspense they only create chaos.We have a saying in Greece the best English adoption is "storm in a teacup" That is the alternative title i could give to Big Mouth.
Half of the Drama was full of fillers.So many unnecessary scenes.As already mentioned, the flashbacks.Also many fighting scenes inside prison.Didn't really add to the plot.Seriously it could be 8 episodes and have a more solid and substantial story.

The bad guys is a bunch of idiots.Stupid characters,iam sorry i couldn't take them too seriously as they acted like spoiled kids.Bragging,laughing and feel superior,like Gods. They have power and money but no brains to use. I love evil characters.Here everyone is just laughable.Only mayor was a decent char among them. Every hero should have his opponent, an equally smart Villain.Well..here the hero obviously is not super smart so he gets the Villains he deserves after all..


The reason the Lawyer was chosen and dragged into this chaos,wasn't sufficient enough to me,to justify all the mess.
I know some tables have turned at the end and our protagonist became smarter,more capable and more efficient . And i would applaud all of these if was a smooth and believable ride.I could accept it easier if this persona was gradually built-up from the beginning instead acquiring all these traits out of the blue.

Of course the Drama has pros too.I never said is trash.
The Acting was really good and Lee Jong Suk although i have never watched any of his work,was excellent.I will definitely check out his other projects as i find him too talented.
Also to be fair,some of the latter episodes were good enough to make me watch it with more intense.But even so i had already made my mind and nothing could really save it.

As i said many times i don't mind any ending.Happy.. sad..open..Expected or not.I really don't mind,i can take all.But what i don't like is over and melo dramatic endings just for the sake of a "Big Exodus" which are totaly lame and unnecessary.Im not that kind of viewer to be too emotional over those endings.
I gave 6,based on the overall feeling this series left me.During all those 16 eps i never,not even once, had a moment of excitement.I felt the thrill and the suspense was poorly cooked and left an unpleasant taste in my mouth.


In other words this is how i felt about it....

Door bell rings.I open the door and there is a huge gift box with a fancy red ribbon.I take it inside.I see the box(is the 8,8 rating)I feel so excited!My heart beats fast.
I open the box and...there is another box inside.I got surprised but then i thought "ok the sender wants to create suspense..."
I open the second box and guess what?Another box!Ok this time iam disappointed and frustrated.
"I get this far i can't quit now" I open the box...Hmmm! "Where is my present??Is this a sick joke or what?"Iam already swearing hard..
I open another box.Inside there is a...lollypop.An orange flavored..The flavor i hate the most!
The End!

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