Now this is what I like to call, a remake done right

The original movie is iconic and forever engraved herein in the hearts of those who saw it. I recommend watching it for those you haven't yet. However, this remake certainly hits differently. It's a bit sadder, more poignant and yet it retains a certain beauty to it with the message it delivers. I think it's mostly because of Jing Hua's ability to portray emotions like he does in his roles, and in here is no different. Or the way they made this storyline become even more symbolic with every single detail.

Honestly, I really enjoyed the pace of how this remake was made.

The changes into the plot were nicely done, the most important details and essence of the original movie from 2010 was kept and replayed with the same lines and meaning and even improved in some ways in this version of 2023. They balanced out the comedy breaks with the blue vibes and sensible theme this story already has quite evenly. The flow of the whole composition as well as the connection between the two main characters made more sense in here. I even have to praise that the dynamics of the four ghosts felt more in unity too, oh and let's not forget that the new integrated elements, the changes of characters, their professions or life troubles, and overall moral messages turned all of this remake into a great symbolic masterpiece.

A word of advice I can give, is to try and read between the lines. Since, every sentence has a deep meaning.

Praise to whoever thought of using Tamagotchi toys in this remake. For example, in the original it uses Bopki also known as Dalgona candy which is no less iconic in providing some sweetness to such a bittersweet life. The value of both elements varies from Korea to Taiwan and the contribution to the plot. However, it's the sole part of raising the Tamagotchi pet, caring for it's basic needs, making all kind of efforts to prevent it from dying, or just the meaning of a new start that is beyond thoughtful. :')

Incredible how the noise they make can resemble heartbeats. :')

There are parts that will make you laugh and question when the sadness will start. Truth be told it hits more than once, but it's all worthy until the end. The cinematography is great and the effects are good enough too. This movie really makes you value the little things that we often take for granted and revaluate life and death priorities, or the importance of second chances in forgiveness and the will to try again. Although it deals with sensitive topics... the message it tries to convey is more of a beacon of hope to those of us who have been or are still lost for quite sometime now and on the brink of giving up... No one is truly born and living "alone" in this world, there is always a connection with anyone we meet in our lives, and that leaves a mark. A mark we chose to neglect or to remember, to cherish or to hate it, to embrace or to surrender. After all, amid all the laughter there can be some hidden pain, amid endless tears there can be a strong painful motive, amid any troublesome addiction there can be a guilty conscious, amid every heart aching loneliness there can be a strong desire of a loving bond or dream of a family.

For all that and more I actually recommend both movies. The original and this remake are worth watching.
Take your personal pick on which one you manage to like best. I liked the original, and yet loved the remake. ;)

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"Words that have the power of the heart."

Did I just binge watched 12 episodes of an EPIC series?
Well yes, yes I did. And it was so worth every second of it.

Well balanced comedy with emotional damage in the mix
If they don't make a second season am gonna throw hands. (╯‵□′)╯
I *cof cof* we need more of Pu Yi Yong, mainly now that he assumed his role and legacy.

This just shows there's no need for over bearing romance or even the so dreaded love triangle within a plot to make it a great series. Friendship works just fine, the bond that unites these three is more than enough. The ML matches well with either the FM or the SML, he has this natural charm that the character Yi Yong gives to everyone he interacts with, like a warm comfort feeling to those he meets and helps. He is a broken little boy, a coming of age teen that suffered a huge loss and gained an immeasurable responsibility with the legacy that runs in his family. Still, there was no one better than him to do so.

Yi Yong may be "slow" as he says he is (even though he is street smart more than the others, intelligence is not always measured by the amount of studies or books one reads, what he lacks in the that and by the time he lost, he delivers with the passion in his heart to help those who can't speak for themselves), and may seem rough around the edges giving his natural poker face stare and unpolished remarks, but whenever he is pulled into a situation his empathy and kind heart make him teach valuable moral lessons to those around him. After all the word that pulled all those entities to cross his path, and that brought him Chu Ying and Guang Yan was exactly what describe Yi Yong the best. Nothing is a coincidence here.

He changed both Chu Ying and Guang Yan in both perspective and personality wise, they both have grown a lot thanks to him and his actions. And Yi Yong himself has also matured as the story progressed, learning more about his skills but also about the thin veil of other realms and entities. Yi Yong helped those the common mortals could not see or reach a helping hand to do so.

While grieving on his own he helped others in the best possible way he could.

I know it's a great series when Fandy Fan is part of the cast, even as a support role. Now, this is an actor that plays well with the heartstrings of the viewers whenever he does angsty roles. If my heart broke for him in More than Blue the series, in here he did it again. His episode and character was so sad and sadly enough so incredibly realistic too on the theme of loneliness and the importance of knowing a name, of acknowledging someone's existence of learning about their endless loneliness, that it takes us all into the perspective on how we treat and see others around us. It's so tragic how many lives are lost like this. Nameless, forgotten to everyone. Still, there's always someone who cares enough to try and know more. How they did it here was magical and enchanting to see. The tattoo being the sole companion, the bond that linked many characters from different status and backgrounds only for that single person who had a caring heart but that no one acknowledge in life... taught them all in death. The line... "He finally became a teacher." was so heartbreaking and yet so true. It reminds us to value people more.

Another thing that I like about this series is how realistic it portrays loss and grief. From fears and into superstitions to all the moral lessons as well. All those elements, wrapped into a nicely balanced comedy to break in between the heartwarming and heartbreaking moments make this a great drama to behold. The best part is how well the OST compliments this series and how is well used with the dialogue scenes. And let's not get started with the special CGI effects and camera angle shots that added more depth into this masterpiece. Whenever he grinded the ink stick into the stone as the heartstrings followed, and then picked the brush to write the heartfelt message, how the ink moved and gained life was amazing to see, among many others.

Definitely a must on everyone's WL. It's the type of series that increases the re-watch value too.

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Definitely a must watch for anyone's drama list

Now this was a mini dark series we all never knew we needed before until the first trailer came out and the drama aired.

Midnight Motel held a dark humor series with a great cast, for 6 episode it did not entirely disappoint, because of it's clever cinematography shots and a few calculated steps. The way the story is told through the characters is also interesting to behold. It just hits differently than most, as it also engages with the viewer. Because it has serious and dangerous moments and then a few breaks in comedy that breaks the fourth wall entirely as it's meant to do. And the coloring used works so well here.

Sun and Kat's past and the glimpse of Mote's too helped with the complexity of their roles.
Overall in 6 episodes it wasn't bad. It was able to include comedy, drama, and slight "romance".
I've got to say that even when it was supposed to be darkest... the humor got to me good, like when Sun and Mote were bickering in these final episodes. Their unusual partnership at some given point was fun to see.

Surprisingly this is the type of series that we all wouldn't mind having a few more episodes, but at the same time we are left somehow satisfied with the outcome of certain events and with an open aftermath of possibilities. It's a mini series after all. Not everything has to be completely build up and delivered in a platter, somethings are made to make us the viewers think like the characters and create our own theories while collecting all the hints in the plot. The clues are obvious but it's also entertaining because of the actors playing it. Sure, I would also like to see June in a nice jumpsuit and behind a few bars to pay the price for her crimes... but the show always focused on Mote and the others, so where he goes, it's where it leads.

Really loved seeing Off as Mote, but Mond stole the whole show as the dark broken Sun, and Jan as Kat was able to prove once again her acting versatility. As for Louis as Doi is probably a favorite now, and Neo iconic appearance in two scenes will forever be remembered. Kudos to Victor, Pae, and Mew for their roles. The whole cast and production team deserve a praise.

The Ost and music through the episodes was okay, I really liked the intros and glitch theme vibes. The texts in the scenes could be deemed annoying in certain dramas but given the theme of this drama they worked in most parts, like when Mote explained his plans or the business app. But nothing tops the over the dead body conversation, that one was genius, CHEERS to that.

Well.... nothing besides the poker game that Mote had with June for the final deal.
That was a fun scene to see, it's these type of creative scenes are what makes this drama special.

Face this as a "light" mini drama to watch between your current on going dramas.
Don't take it too seriously it was never intent to be that way, I mean it's a parody.
Enjoy it for the cast, for the cinematography, for their plot holes and twists and dark vibes.

For all that and more, Midnight Motel is definitely a must watch for anyone's drama list (o゜▽゜)o☆
(￣y▽￣)╭ PS: And let's not forget for all of those who watched Not Me, in here Sean actually defeats Tawi xD

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"A momentary illusion once again, true love is always there."

Well, this was a way of showing the 5 stages of grief while throwing strong symbolic and relatable content into the mix. The fact that this is a BL is a bonus too. It's quite a shame that this drama is underrated, because although the theme seems a bit disturbing and morbid at first glance, when one considers a BL with such a ship, this unique plot transcends all that entirely.

This BL story goes beyond the typical love story.
It's about a first love tale; most of them are doomed not to last.
This one took 2 years too bloom, alas when it did it was already too late.

"It was in the blink of an eye. It was so sudden, it was inevitable. I couldn't do anything." - Mitsuru

It starts with the ending, and ends with a possibility of a new start.
(Although, it seems there's a cycle too, of when a person is stuck in the past.)
Confusing? Perhaps, but the drama is fairly complex and simple at the same time.
All it takes is to read in between the lines, analyze the symbolic value it presents in the scenes and lines.

The content is relatable. It tackles life and death in a calm, soothing way.
Almost too natural in an unnatural way. Then again, Japanese dramas are keen in this thematic.
They are able to teach valuable lessons, and make it look like it's a natural, mundane rite of passage.

The way this drama was wrapped was beautiful, heartwarming and bittersweet.

"How can we heal the sorrow of what was given and taken away?" - Mitsuru

When people start to forget Koichi's existence, and seeing Mitsuru's frustrated was painful.

Those we lose still live in our memories, in our hearts, there's always resurrection, when time passes the memory lasts but the image of the person sometimes fades without us realizing it does. We find ourselves forgetting about those we cared about, and then remembering them from time to time. It's the natural course of life. This drama handles those themes in a light way, but in the underlines of the meaning of their lines, their scenes and the plot the message is there.

The five stages of grief are highly represented by our main lead Mitsuru.

"I cried so much that my whole body turned into tears. But in the end... the sadness did not go away at all. " -Mitsuru

He can't let go of Koichi. He denies the truth, lives with the pain, and knows he has to embrace reality.
The connection of a newborn baby, in the birth of Koichi's little sister, shows that while in death and loss there's also life. It goes on, the living keep on living, time waits for no one. The concept of Koichi being trapped in eternal yesterday, it's a ephemeral miracle. Perhaps the will to hang on to life a little longer, to his love, to his unfinished and unresolved love story. Mitsuru's feelings that keep him there, and make him well co-exist. But, nothing lasts forever. And neither will he. The departure is eminent and they have to deal with it. Make peace with the situation, acknowledge their pain and predicament.

From the very start we know where this will leads us, and yet we still follow the ride.
Very much like Mitsuru and Koichi who seemed enthralled by their first glance, we find ourselves wanting more.
Hoping for a miracle, albeit knowing it's impossible. Wishing that there's a happy fairytale ending instead of reality.

I think it's realistic as to where or how it ends. It was meant to be a moral fantasy story after all.
Maybe it was mostly all in Mitsuru's head, his profound wish for it to be true. To have Koichi near him.
Or maybe it was really an odd miracle provided just for them, in a short term. Koichi was his shield and Mitsuru his life.

Komiya Rio and Inoue Sora did a phenomenal job in their roles. I can only praise then. Rio's character was a hard one to portray and to be believable. A living corpse, the walking dead, not a zombie, not entirely dead but not alive either. And yet he did it. The pain, the struggles, the longing and his love for Mitsuru is there implicit even before the accident. Mitsuru being more reserved, took him more time to acknowledge his feelings and maybe that's why it was so hard for him to let go, and what made Koichi wait. But time was against them, and as much as Koichi and him wanted to stay and last, it was for the best that it ended.

Rio's sorrow as he cried in the last episode, broke my heart.
They were too pure, and their cute first love was robbed too soon.

"Koichi. You're still my number one. I love you the most." -Mitsuru

There can only be a number one. Despite the room in our hearts, there's always a special person in it.
For Mitsuru it will always be Koichi. I love that the sensei took a picture of them, it validates that it was real?
It's a memento, a token to keep close to the heart. Even after years, Mitsuru still can't forget his first love.

The story is mostly under the perspective of Mitsuru, but I liked that in the end we have an insight of Koichi.
As he describes their first meeting, his on growing feelings for Mitsuru and their journey. The tender love and enthusiasm in his voice as he tells the details, is endearing, despite bittersweet, since we all know where it leads.

"I didn't know how many first-year high school students there were that year. But meeting Mitchan was a miracle to me. He looked scary. However... He looked at me with a strong gaze. Yes. I fell in love. I never thought I would fall for a man. So I was surprised. But it didn't matter. As long as it's Mitchan." - Koichi

The real definition of he fell first, but the other fell harder could he applied to these two.

Superb acting from the main leads, Komiya Rio and Inoue Sora.
Once again Japan is able to present a strong plot but make it somehow emotional, a fantasy more a less realistic and symbolic and not a dark, heavy and only tragic.

The OST is great, I really enjoyed it. The intro song called Sunshower by Ayumu Imazu is so alluring given his vocals, and the lyrics so meaningful. Meanwhile the ending theme called Eternal by Aoi Kubo, is graceful and emotional at the same time.

And the whole cinematography and overall coloring of the drama too. Despite the gloom, it holds a warm filter. It focuses more on the male leads, the support characters appear for that purpose only. They don't create unnecessary drama inside of the drama, or add more complexity to the plot. They are meant for value and that's about it. The dialogues are intelligent and mostly to reveal hidden truths and relatable lessons for us the viewers to notice.

It's a mature first love drama. Not suitable for those who idealize typical romance or only want fair happy endings.
If you are not ready for a heartbreak, for a few tears, and valuable moral lessons, then this drama is not for you.

Don't let the theme or the first episode discourage you from seeing all 8 amazing episodes and grasp the tragic beauty and value that this drama holds. It's wistful, and bittersweet but there is a refined grace to it in the way it teaches it's content. To the purity of the main characters, or the soothing way they talk and how the scenes present themselves. To the pent-up emotions, confessions and revelations. To how the story unfolds. What could be truly tragic would be missing all of this, just because it doesn't settle with the overall idealization of what a love story and BL should be like, or if it has or not a happy or sad ending to begin with.

If you can see all this combined then give it a go.
Have a tissue box and heart ready, are my words of advice.

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Slightly better than season 2. A darker season but, sadly predictable.

WARNING: If you all thought season 1 and 2 had their number of gruesome scenes and erm... wtf moments, - well you better hold onto to your seats, - because this one will leave you on edge, with an "ewww" expression on your face and feeling mostly pissed off for the character's poorly decisions and the cruelty of the screenwriter to play with our hearts and then crush us so hard that will leave us frustrated, pained and in tears.

- Might contain SPOILERS. -

First things first, I'll do a Pro and Con list:

PROS:
Starts with Todoroki and Kanae.
Yuzuki is grown and stronger here.
Have I mentioned Kanae and Todoroki?
Kurumi has less screen time in this season.
The level of cinematography and production is better.
"Bromance" between Hibiki and Todoroki. Loyalty on point...
At least they tried to unveil the mysteries season 2 failed to do.

CONS:
HIBIKI. with capital letters.
If in season 2 Kurumi got me annoyed. In season 3, it's Hibiki.
Religion. Cults to be precise. Acting holy when they're sinners.
Kurumi is always the main point, even causing sacrifices indirectly.
The X gang and their shady origins. If it was like that why kill civilians?
Character's stupidity that costs everything, and could be solved or avoided.
Kanae and Todoroki arch. Not precisely bad, it's really good. But they deserved the world
Sadly, the world did not deserve them. Love you as the world ends, should be about them...

By now we can all assume Hibiki's character is kind of like Liam Neeson's character in Taken.

Only there's no working phones here in Kimi to Sekai and Hibiki doesn't exactly say the line, "I'll find you and I'll kill you" as many times as he probably should. Still, there's always guns and ammunition in hand. Which is weird given food is scarce, but weaponry exists by the dozens huh. I would presume handcrafted weapons would exist at this point, - you know those pointy sticks, - like those Buffy always used to save the world and it worked just fine back in the good old days.

They've made 6 pointless episodes in season two, with that ending... To skip 10 months in the story, in this one.

Shoot! What have we missed?

Well first things first, in those 10 mysterious months ever since having left the House of Hope, Hibiki finally dyed his blonde roots to become a brunette. I know right? Priorities... Dude spent 2 seasons blonde, but now he went dark in a flash.

Speaking of dark. This season has definitely it's darkest moments.

However, it's either predictable or I've had my fair share of criminal dramas and plot twists that I've developed a keen sense. It wasn't hard to figure it out the intentions of the characters, the ones that were most mysterious were the X gang though.

They tried their plot twists here and there. Like for example, with Min-Jun's lookalike. It went along with the realistic explanation that there was a twin brother, Yoo-Jun, and revealed his existence and what happened to him in a flash linked to Ji-An the older sister. Even so, it seemed to be made above the knee and rushed, if you ask me. They could've made a hint in season one when Min-Jun and Ji-An met... but no mention of them having another sibling was ever implied, at least from what I can vaguely remember. (I might check it again, just to be sure.)

I actually liked the fact that they made his character hold a sense of loss despite the brutal environment in which he was raised ever since kidnapped. He still retained that memory of making flower crowns to place on the dead to honor their souls. It was Ji-An that had taught him that when young, and he continued doing over the years so it seems. It was symbolic.

The gruesome events are cruel and macabre to say the very least.
If in season 2 they presented us with the House of Hope, which ironically had no hope at all, nor it was a safe haven. And where the residents firmly believed in division of status and classes among the survivors. In this season they present us with faith and religion as holy place for a cult. In crazy times of need, people believe in anything they want to believe. This is an example of it.

It's a deranged utopia consisting of delusional believers, a fraud keeping the farce of a God, and the most messed up meals... It's implied that the food is indeed scarcer there, that they have turned to the point of producing meat from dubious sources.

It's really messed up and utterly disgusting.

Now, I wouldn't dare to say it's the survival of the fittest, but more like survival and madness walk hand in hand here. As if serving Golem meal's wasn't enough... (that's right, the excuse is a trial for immunity to whoever consumes the product, which is weird because so far there is no one who has it at 100% nor there is a vaccine or cure) To have volunteers for the "Marris" ritual (which so happens to be a public execution), only to be used as a source of food for the children is utterly immoral and quite DISTURBING to know. Cannibalisms at the end of the world... and they have the boldness to call it high in protein...

It's in times like this that I am glad I don't eat meat xD
Oh Holy salad, as I off a Golem with a fork. Lettuce pray. Amen.

The irony of creating a safety haven in one season and then throwing the characters right at the holy sinners is a duality.

Hibiki's arch as always been about finding Kurumi, but after a couple of times and different directions of having the same goal, it's a bit tiring to see what could be love becomes a sick obsession. If it was to find her in the end and finally sink in that there's no other way to help her because unfortunately there's still no cure, then this story would most likely ended in season 1.

It sure would've avoided many headaches, heartbreaks, deaths and well a hand... if you get what I mean.

WARNING: Episodes 4 and 5 will ruin you all, mark my words. The events are beautiful, symbolic and tragic.
To the point of leaving us aching for those we've been rooting from season 1, to be robbed so soon.

They never had a chance, never got to the point of properly addressing their feelings, confessing in bold words what they meant towards one another after all they've been through. Still, their actions spoke louder than 1000 words. Their sense of loyalty, of paying debts, and having each other's backs was the most genuine among two characters there. And their storyline was the most worth it of all ever since season 1. To see how they developed, and how much they cared, loved, protected and respected each other's was beautiful and endearing. They provided us more insight of them, and then robbed us all.

Even so, Todoroki's character development was one of the best. And so was Kanae's.
They went from stubborn and weak characters. To caring, honest, independent and strong characters.
Their keen sense of justice, right from wrong, prevailed unaverred amidst the craziness that surrounded them.
While other's like Hibiki were easily persuaded. Todoroki and Kanae, held their grounds in every single situation.

Todoroki's and Hibiki's have always clashed in season 1, they both had different views and perceptions of the world and their situation. And were keen on leadership of the group of survivors they were a part of, ever since then no matter how apart they got, whenever they managed to find themselves in circumstances, the bond between them lost their initial rift, and gained mutual respect. Maybe on Todoroki's side it was Kanae's influence that made him improve himself. His loyalty and integrity never changed though, to the point of owing Hibiki and helping him out 'till the every end.

What did change in him?
The reckless imprudence of placing himself in danger because he did not fear death.

To have him confess that now he does fear it, really speaks volumes of how much he started to feel for Kanae to the point of finding a reason to keep on living, and not merely existing in a dying world.

"You really don't call me by my name, do you?" - Kanae
"You can only call a woman by her first name if she's family." - Todoroki

This moment between them was like the hidden confession, as they harbored feelings for each other.

The meaningful and symbolic value of his hand gesture, in those different scenes, with only her in his mind...
The first time calls her by her first name and she never hears it. Worse Hibiki never tells her... and that pissed me off.

"He don't have to call me by my name. He don't have to love me.
Just... if that person is alive, that's all that matters. So please, come back safe, Hiro." - Kanae

Yuzuki's finding her purpose and sense of leadership was gratifying. She had to grow up fast from season 1 to 3. In order to survive and adapt she learned to make sacrifices and be brave. The only inconsistency in her character is probably the asthma, she suffered severely from it in season 1, in season 2 it's mentioned and we can see the inhalers. But in here? Don't recall.

Could this be the only holy miracle of this deranged season events? Perhaps.

Too many shady characters, and backgrounds in this season. X could've been partially resolved in season 2 though.
Iori and Shinji were characters that screamed suspicious from the very start. Hence my suspicion of a season 4 turning out to be right by the end of this chaotic last episode. They need to add drama and angst, and of course another rescue plot mission for Hibiki, this time for his missing child. Future is dark and gloomy, because Mirai (means future in Japanese) has vanished.

The cinematography and production values in this season are far better than the previous seasons.
Oddly enough the song , - Not the End by Rei Yasuda - that accompanied the other seasons was not presented in this one.

After binge watching these 6 episodes, frustrating my poor little braincells on another rollercoaster ride of disturbing scenarios, not so happy meals, pent-up emotions, pure rage towards stupid characters, and having my heart broken in the end.

I'm left unsure about being sadist enough to even watch a season 4...

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Contains symbolic life and death lessons to behold upon

I really loved seeing Nut playing Phob here, it shows how he is improving in his acting. The way he handled Phob's personality and expressions as well as the turmoil of emotions his character has to go through into this self-discovery path is amazing. He made it in a way that grows on us viewers, we find ourselves cherishing Phob, just as much as Phat does.

It his hard when the secrets begin to unveil and the truth comes out, reality starts to sink in by each and every episode.

We are able to see that there is no turning point, or a possibility of a happy romantic ending.
But then again this series was never meant to be a typical BL story or focused on their potential relationship.
It was more like the voyage of learning to love and let go, of self-healing for both the dead and the living. To be able to let go of the past and the pains one carries within their soul in order to be free from guilt and try to cope and move on.

"Trying to forget you is harder than trying to remember you." - Phat

We can think of Phob as being Phat's first love in that sense, intense and like most ephemeral. Either good or bad, it's always unforgettable. He came into Phat's life with the purpose of seeking for his help, but in the end they both helped each other in their own special ways.

Phob gave Phat the chance to try to pursue his dream despite failing to keep on trying. To make a living, to be more brave and optimistic despite failure. It's a part of life. And Phat helped Phob remember who he was, he helped him reconnect with his past, and learn the truth behind his life and find himself. He also helped to stay away from the darkness by keeping Phob close.

Most of all I actually enjoyed the connection they both created through the days they were able to spent together.

"Should we go into your dreams?" - Phob

"No. We should say goodbye while we're awake, we've been in our dreams for too long" - Phat

The dreams where they met at first were always symbolic. But as I remember what the guardian spirit warned Phob when he first used it, that the more he dwelled in Phat's dreams the more dangerous it would be for both and mainly for Phat... I started to realize how that eventually ceased from happening. They stopped meeting in there, gradually, the more connected they felt and the more close they've got. To not need to meet in such a state where danger could lurk in the dark corners of the mind.

'Something in my Room' is somehow different than other paranormal BLs such as 'He's Coming to Me', this is a bit more darker, almost in a thriller like format to keep the viewer on his toes with the climatic suspense they try to pull of here. It also carries more symbolic value and that dose of reality until the very end. Endings are always hard to get by, mainly because they fail to keep up with the expectations or even the consistency of the plot. But surprisingly this one didn't, at least not for me. It showed the only way out, and the aftermath. Giving in a way a sense of purpose to each character who had their own individual path to follow. I liked how symbolic the ending is, that we may consider it a sort of happy ending for both of them.

Every episode feels like symbolic emotional rollercoaster, the more we learn about Phob.

Plan did a great job as Phat, but Nut as Phob definitely stole my heart and show with his friendly and pure role.
The true scene stealer at some point it had to be Green. I swear his role here as Ben was beyond words. I think he really gave his all into it, even though it was a support role that showed up temporarily into the plot. It held that amount of emotional grief and pain throughout his actions, his theatrical performance, the powerful dance and his belated confessions...

Really and eye opener, both in the drama and for him as a rising actor.
The OST is as weary as the climatic vibes the drama tries to sell. Somehow it works.
It's not a horror genre per se, but a light thriller in the making. The intro is a great though.
Supanut's song ' Just like a Dream' is really cute, with meaningful lyrics and with a happier vibe.

I recommend giving it a go. Endure the first episodes, if you enjoy symbolic messages than this has plenty to go from. This drama is mostly made in a sort of slow and attempted spooky pace, it's supposed to be a voyage of the soul after all.

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More than a BL, it's truly a Legacy in the making...

As an avid fan of Gun and Off projects and unique bond, I was looking forward for Not Me release. And all I can say is that it was worth the wait. It's under a great screenwriter and director guidance like P' Nuchy that this project was able to succeed.

Not Me has set the bar up high, direction and production wise. It definitely excels in those departments. The cinematography is really good here, and although some shots were definitely filmed up-close the subjects in certain scenes, even those were premeditated. Most likely to make the viewer become immersed within the characters feelings and actions.

Gun just prove everyone his talent with acting, by not only playing a double role in the set of twins. But also by making them so distinct that even I, and well, presumably everyone who watches this series will be able to tell who is who and see two completely different characters, to the point of taking sides or rooting for both in their own way. That is a hard task to achieve and yet he did it so well, almost looking so effortlessly when I bet it was the labor of his dedication to the project.

By giving them their own personalities Gun was able to set them apart, and sometimes even without saying a single word. Just one glance suffices, mainly when it comes to Black.

"Bravery and fear, I think these two things are the complete opposite. However, they can't remain apart.
We can't be brave without fear. But being brave with no fear is like an explosive with no target." - White

White is soft spoken and composed. Black is without a doubt a force to reckon with.

"In that moment, I realized if he's the bravery, I must be the fear." - White

Sean has got to be the most challenging character Off has ever made, and probably - just like the set of twins are to Gun, - this one will remain unforgettable. Since it's a broken and more serious role, unlike his early projects. At the same time it really made Off grow to improve his acting skills. It's not only the chemistry and him being at ease with Gun that allowed him to do that, but his own commitment to the role and to the tasks he was given when he enrolled in this series. By doing all that Off was able to incarnate the impulsive Sean with his anger and resentment, eager for revenge.

Until he gets swayed by the only one who can calm down the storm that he carries within his heart.

"This is the goal that keeps me alive, and you are too." - Sean

The characters complexity within this series is what makes it all more interesting. Therefore, I only have to point out a flaw here, because by having only 14 episodes, that were not enough screen time to exploit the mysteries of some characters more than others. At the same time that seemingly aura of mystery that enlaces those characters allures us more to them.
Be it the always resourceful and intriguing - Gumpa - owner of the garage where the gang meets.

"If you want to change anything, you must have enough power." - Todd
"Power is corrupting." - Black

Or even unveiling more of Todd and Black's friendship, one that has it's levels of toxicity, since they don't seem able to get on the same grounds but at the same time there's a bond between them that makes them connected to each other. I admit, that I like the tension their scenes behold, almost like there is something else lingering in those desperate and dark glances, and into the feeling of betrayal they both have by witnessing how their actions and choices made them grow apart over the years.

"What we should do is find common ground to live together in peace." - Todd

One thing for sure, is that Not Me is a continuity plot. Driven to expose the corrupts of the system and that no matter who opposes or who surpasses who, there will always be corruption when there is power involved. It's a never ending cycle.

So, this wasn't all about being able to destroy that conviction.
But to gain awarness of the reality of this situation that happens worldwide.

Another flaw I have to point out. Is the way they made Gram in here. Mond has bad luck with his characters.
The ridiculously sick puppy love without an ounce of chemistry between them, made me roll my eyes out in their scenes.
Despite trying to be symbolic and balance the series with several types of love and equality. Gram's odd pursue, almost seemed like an obsession rather than love. To crave someone's girlfriend, and your best friend no less was low enough but the course of actions in all the wrong timings made it all worse. It's a downgrade of a character that had potential, and significance too. Not sure what made the screenwriters made this choice, but it's obvious that it's forced attraction and love. It's like a filler in plot. It upsets me that it had more screen time than other potential interesting characters, like Yok and Dan or even Black and Todd.

"Don't follow me, if you want no regrets." - Dan

Dan and Yok. It's hard not to love these two artistic souls.

"You can't run away from me. You know that, don't you?" - Yok

First and Fluke gave us that typical troupe of criminal/delinquent and good cop.
More than that they presented us love at first sight, and communication within their honest artworks and heartfelt confessions. Just like White is the one who can warm Sean's cold heart, Yok is able to pull Dan from his own guilty torment and give him a shred of hope for a better future ahead of them. I have not enough words to express their relationship, - much less about this whole series :') - from Yok's sassy behavior to Dan's calm nature, and well just with their loving glances, soft touches, to the heartbreaking tears of betrayal and the tough decisions into self-sacrifices made.

A scene can't break your heart.
The scene:

"Finally, you get to arrest me for real." - Yok
"I'm sorry I failed you. The more you try to escape, the more dangerous it is for you." - Dan

"Do you remember what you told me?
You told me not to look for you if I wanted no regrets. I should have believed you then." - Yok

Not Me has such a deep symbolic value within the hints it gives throughout the plot scenes and lines of the characters. It hits differently than most dramas or BLs even. Because its based on a judicial and political activism plot, and set on sensible and important topics happening in Thailand, but at the same time relatable to the rest of the world. It walks the fine line of using a more realistic plot and bring upon important questions and themes that need utter attention and respect.

Even better than all of this is the exceptional OST with hit songs in which the lyrics match the scenes and story well. From original song by Off Gun, for example, to international hits that boosts the artists by having their works into this production.

Definitely a must watch. It gives an impression. There's always a moral lesson to behold upon.

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LUNA aka Bros before Woes

To some this might be a generic drama, to others perhaps a bit rushed and flawed in concept. However... 'Let Me Be Your Knight' is much more than your typical drama if you take a moment to see between the lines.

It may not be perceptible on the first time watching, but the hints are there in every single episode.

This is what we can call a "cycle of healing" kind of drama.
Where the true essence resides in the characters as a group.
And into their own personal problems and self-healing that may affect those around them.

The thing is they did it with a K-pop concept and with a band in the center grounds along with the pros and cons.
LUNA is the core of the whole show. Their personal journey as they all struggle with personal feelings and problems while trying not to fall apart. The five of them are the main characters here, and the FL joins the journey with her "baggage" too.

Hilarious how she being a chaotic mess, can be the solution to Tae In's problems and become his muse in times of need. Sometimes, we find the simplest solution within the problem. He only needed to find another model to get inspired, to set different goals and find where his own strength relies on. Not only in Yoon Joo but also realize how isolated he made himself to be when it came down to his band member's. The bigger the house, the wider the distance. It was a good indirect example of how in a bigger dorm the members grew a part within the years ever since their debut. It's a reality portrayed here.

This drama is not solely meant to be a romantic comedy of sorts, although it's implied in the tags.
Or a drama about a thriving band in the music field trying to cope down with their unstable leader at first.
It's about the growth and maturity they face by facing themselves and their own ordeals to finally find the right path.

Sometimes, going back to our roots is the best outtake we can find. 'Less is more' as people tend to say.
It takes 12 episodes here to realize that. It takes a few scandals, several setbacks, blatant lies and some hidden truths.
Overall, within the characters we find a few valuable lessons to behold upon if we set our eyes into the big picture here.

The plot doesn't always have to be straight to the point, sometimes the hints are insidious but are there.
We just have to see beyond and unveil the theories or be able to gather the perception of what it's revealed.

Tae-In's sleepwalking for example is not only about the great amount of stress he has to achieve perfection, but also the sheer pressure he has faced ever since his childhood, only to appease to his classical music genius of a father who tried to mold his son based on his personal taste which resulted into a trauma that led to how the drama starts in the first place. Cliché, right?

Nothing too out of the ordinary. This drama isn't about plot twists or epic cliffhangers. It's all out in the open here. It's the typical clichés packed into a somewhat cool concept.

Which now leads us to the band - LUNA - set into the world of K-pop industry, this drama present us the view of idols, (more precisely a band instead of a group, which is awesome given the numerous K-pop group dramas lately, one with a band playing musical instruments is a breath of fresh air), the concerts and vibes of the past we miss, all the packed schedules, comebacks, albums, lightsticks, fans, venues, talk-shows or radios and even live streams. We see it all, not forgetting to add in fans, discussing their bias and also the troublesome sasaengs (dangerous stalker "fans").

They manage to create the perfect band with mostly idols from quite a few famous K-pop groups:
Lee Jun Young from U-KISS as Yoon Tae In
JR from NU'EST as Lee Shin
Yoon Ji Sung former WannaOne as Kim Yoo Chan
Kim Dong Hyun from AB6IX as Woo Ga On
And although Jang Dong Joo as Seo Woo Yeon is mostly an actor he could be a rising idol too.

Jung In Sun did a good job here playing twin sister roles.

I hope that I am not the only one wanting that LUNA would be real enough to release something in RL too.
The songs are catchy, although the lyrics seem silly some have subliminal messages within the absurd linked words.
We find ourselves singing along, or even tapping our feet to it. Infatuated with the way all 5 members sing and play.
By each and every episode, we keep rooting for LUNA to thrive and overcome their endless troubles.

I wanted more of LUNA songs, shows, whatever, but they focused more on their problems rather than the music. And although it's frustrating and seems to drag until the final episode at one point with the ML and FL "dramarama", it's by the final episode that we realize why it was so. Because to solve things they needed to be reminded of the past and the start so they could rise up once again. The drama also tackles down several known problems from love scandals, bullying accusations, failures, secret relationships, demanding and greedy parents, scams, controlling CEOs, and many more. Despite the setting and the way they did it, we can't deny these happen on a daily basis in RL too. It's a slice of life packed in 12 episodes, bound to be rushed.

But it's in the small details that we're able to find the creativity placed into the scenes.
Like their title track and comeback song being called 'Beautiful Breakup' to the lyrics and meaning, that leads us to one of the scenes in the final episodes where the album is plain sight. It's a realization and a fear, but also a wakeup call to them all.

Overall. I actually enjoyed the acting, the cinematography and music here.
'Beautiful Breakup', 'Love Paranoia' and 'Let Me Be Your Knight' become a fan favorite of mine.
The reason for such a high score is by all that and because of the whole spectrum of problems portrayed.
Not every drama is in fact flawed or perfect, some even fall down in between, while other's are a few rare gems.

This one is saved by the general concept.
Although we want more, and a few answers, if we think beside the box we get there.

It's not a bad drama per se, for judgmental and critical people it is likely to have its numerous flaws.
Still, if you really like bands as much as K-pop groups this is not a bad drama to go to.
Just focus on the five elements of the band and their own development. Believe me, it's the best part.

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A perfect 10 out of 10

Never thought I would grow attached to another BL series and couple, ever since ITSAY and IPYTM , Teh and Oh-aew and yet here I am, already missing Bad Buddy the series and our lovely rivals, Pat and Pran.

What can I say?
It's definitely a 10/10 with a great script to match such an amazing acting from the cast.

Ohm and Nanon really delivered into their roles of the fearless Pat and lovable Pran.
Even when they had no lines in their scenes, their stares spoke more than 1000 words.
Bad Buddy not only took the world by storm, conquering many fans but it become an iconic drama.

The plot itself is a bit typical, rival families, love and hate and so on. However, this is much more than that.
They were able to create something deemed generic, and turn it into something unforgettable and special.

By adding the perfect dose of humor, with endless bickering, an emotional value into the scenes and the symbolic lyrics of the songs from the OST - especially because Nanon sings 2 major songs here that are key to the plot and both his and Ohm's character.

And let's not forget about the cinematography and how the past and present were combined here.

*Because it's CHEF'S KISS*

There's an uncanny familiar and warm feeling while watching this series by how fast it grows into whoever sees it.

Before we know it, we're already drawn into the main characters story and their own struggles. We find ourselves seeing the episodes either with a smile on our lips, eager to see just one more episode, and laughing hard by their quirky antics or even getting emotional when things may go wrong.

It's a journey between them and the viewer. One it must be savored.
When a series is able to do that and more, it's definitely a gem to behold.

The OST is not only catchy but quite meaningful. When it comes to production they nailed the sounds.
Bad Buddy starts with a bang and it does not disappoint through the course and flow of the storyline.
More than a good script, it's the remarkable acting of our main leads that really takes this to a whole other level.

The way the emotions were tangible in certain scenes that leaves us all speechless.
And by the ending of episode 5 we really get that by a thousand fold...

They did it. They really set another high standard.
One that will be hard to match or cross over.
And I am not even complaining. Not one bit.

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"You'll remember it forever, right?" - YES -

"Some things might break, they might disappear, but they'll exist in other forms."

All I can say, is that the movies were great, they had their fair share of emotional baggage in them. However, this drama hits differently in more ways than I can tell in proper words. This does what the movies failed to do given their limited time. The drama can unveil more of the story and all the characters. And the amount of symbolic value in the hidden messages of the characters' lines, their raw emotions and meaningful actions, sure made me cry throughout the drama despite knowing the inevitable heartbreak that follows until the end.

"I'm Cream and you're K. Our names have the same phonetic "K".
After all, two lonely people, should have names that don't feel lonely."

They are both two lost souls who've found themselves in their darkest times.

I find it quite clever the differences they've made in this adaptation.
The concept and storyline is there, filled with intricate and linked events and feelings... The going back and forward into the past and present, the now and the diary and memories is well done by the sheer cinematography and background music that keeps the viewer enthralled into the story. Once again, is the way it's filmed, told and shown that truly makes a difference.

"Anyway, I can't accept "forever." I can only accept "The next life.""
""The next life" feels like a promise. But "forever" isn't..."

The thing about this adaptation is that it has a plethora of events and characters, between past and present and somehow in their own little way they are all linked or had interactions at a given point in time with either Cream of K. The flow of the storyline keeps it's pace on the relationships and deep secrets the characters have between them.

"If there's a next life, what do you want to be?"
".. I want to be... an earring, or perhaps... eyeglasses, a notebook, or a bed."

That simple detail of changing the ring to an earring makes a difference too. Not a bad one per se, I can see they tried their best to keep the original flow but to give a taste of originality or break the norm here.

"Can we really get used to sadness? Or are we just trying to hide it? And pretend its not there?"

It's weird how I've seen the movies and empathized with the characters, - but in here - with the drama, I truly felt the weight of the emotions they are delivering with every single line and scene. Mainly with K and his silent suffering and overbearing loneliness. It's hard to explain in proper words how much the acting in this adaptation is so good that draws the viewer straight into the characters' personal pain.

How can they recreate scenes just like they did in the movies, and add such an emotional depth?

"Do you know why people feel lonely?
Because the most important person in your life isn't in your heart yet."

Not only are the episodes lessons to be learned...
But the characters themselves have morals of their own.

This drama brought a sense of closure for the characters and their heartbreaks and ventures.
The drama chose to focus on not only two main characters, but six characters and their complex relationship of life and love. Therefore they were able to give us two heartbreaking and selfless characters - K and Ke Le - two strong and love oriented women - Cream and Yi Qi - one professional and independent woman - Cindy - and two balanced and supportive men - Po Han and You Xian - (I know it's counted seven in this example of mine, Ke Le is supposed to be support but I count him as main in comparison to how similar he is to K)

What can I say?
I am completely surrendered to this amazing remake and how it made me feel.
And I can only blame Fan Shao Hsun's remarkable acting here for that. He truly is K.
The way he handled the character' emotions and struggles felt astonishing to behold.

"Regrets are never far, but happiness is already gone."

There aren't enough words to describe how incredible moving this remake was and how it tackled down every single meticulous detail inserted into the plot. Such a beautiful written and thoughtful script, with unforgettable symbolic lines and characters. There was no space for plot holes, there were complex characters, still time to explore each and every single one of them and intertwine their stories in a whole. We're able to see progresses, a growth and maturity, coping with losses and achieving dreams.

From friendship to relationships, we've seen it all.

The soothing and sentimental OST along with A-Lin's amazing voice matches well with the vibe of the whole series.

Definitely deserves more praise than it has. 10/10 for sure one of the best dramas of 2021.

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Innocent until proven guilty taken to the extreme

I know this is a remake of the original story from the UK. I haven't seen it yet and refrained myself from getting spoilers or try to compare both for their details or any mismatched storylines.

Perhaps, the Korean version is darker. The cinematography draws us into the abyss of a presumed innocent young man accused and most likely framed of a hideous and hate crime that took a woman's life. We see and witness his confusion, his pain and his struggles through it all. And at the same time when everyone is turning their back on him, we can see his transformation in survival mode, hence that being the name of this episode...

'When in doubt, in favor of the defendant. No one is presumed to be guilty.'

However, it's with these cliffhangers and the mysterious aura this drama portrays, that they leave us wavering between the lengths of innocence and misconduct. I like this type of scrip that messes with the viewers perceptions and beliefs, it makes us analyze the evidence alongside the characters and hope for the best result. We have been following his journey and believing him to be framed, and that the criminal is most likely out there. By each and every episode the story gets bleak and the light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting dim. To mess this way with the perception of everything presented so far is a bold move.

What is the truth behind the case? Will there be a plot twist? Or have we been right all along?

The investigation was poorly done, it sounded like a fanfic.
It was based on mere speculations and not any solid evidence.
They just needed someone to blame. And he was an easy target.

Could this be his mind being manipulated to believe he is who everyone is making him out to be?

How will he prove his innocence and live with the consequences of his life's decisions?

There's the thing about all of this. The stigma of being imprisoned, the scars it leaves on a person who has seen and felt under his skin how quick people can drop someone in desperate times. Sometimes, those being the people closer than you think. Next of keen even. It brands someone, who will have to try and return to society knowing life itself is not the same or ordinary.

The cinematography is well matched with the OST, alluring, dark and mysterious. The same goes with our many characters here, some shady, others with a hidden agenda, and some with good intentions. Too bad that in this drama those are counted by a single hand at most. The rest reveals itself as the story unfolds.

Kim Hyun Soo, Shin Joong Han and Do Ji Tae, are those characters that pull you in the minute they appear on screen. The actors really got immersed into their roles that every interaction, scene and conversation was worth to watch. I really like the brotherhood formed between Ji Tae and Hyun Soo. There was something in Hyun Soo, that both Joong Han and Ji Tae - who are from opposite sides, and yet with the law as a common interest as we can see by one's profession and the other's hobby - saw at first glance. They were both his pillars through the nightmare that his life had become. A balance of justice if I may say.

Unfortunate events can be turned into life lessons. There are people who come into someone's life to teach something. Ji Tae's worth was more than a guardian and a Hyung in times of need. He was a teacher, and a counselor. One who contributed towards Hyun Soo's transformation and probably smoke addiction. Well, no one said he was a good influence. They were inmates and locked inside for a reason. Although they shared more in common than one could think.

We can say Ji Tae could be a representation of what Hyun Soo's future looked like if he had no one who believed in him.
And Hyun Soo was a reminder to Ji Tae of what he used to look like in the past, before losing his freedom and himself.

Not only Kim Soo Hyun did a remarkable job on his role, but the whole cast did too - in fact - it's both the actors and production who are the true core of this drama and not only the protagonist alone. Still, we can't deny how powerful Soo Hyun's deep and silent stares in many scenes truly are. Or even turn a blind eye his desperate cries and raw emotions through this journey.

Cha Seung Won delivered a rugged image of a third-rate attorney - Shin Joong Han - with his life upside down, but with a sense of Justice within him to not give up on the most complicated case of his life.

And am sure no one was left indifferent whenever Kim Sung Gyu appeared as Do Ji Tae, with his powerful and yet calm aura. He truly embodied someone who ruled the yard and whose presence alone was somewhat respected. He yearned that given his years. In the end he was the life and soul of that prison, so that final scene with him in his cell, and the last glance Hyun Soo gives as if everything is as it was, although far from the truth given the emptiness that it is felt was symbolic.

Corruption and cases like such can happen when one least expects. There is a thin line to prove someone's innocence. This was focused on that alone and the difficulties on both parties. The accusers and the defendants. The system is despicable, seen with this point of view and with how they handled now only the case but the aftermath alone. Some win, some loose.

The prize in cases like this is not with merits and credits for something they had not part of... -The victory would be more personal, - to those who truly yearned it, who really worked hard for it, those who never gave up despite the ordeals presented, and to the victim who midway resigned with fate, not seeing a shred of hope with the outcomes, - even if it's baffled and not for the world to know, it does not lose it's worth in the end.

Because there will always be more cases out there in need of a helping hand of Justice as this end foretells...

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Happiness can be reveled in many forms...

To some this is a brilliant masterpiece, to others just an average drama of survival.
I followed it from day one and it got me hooked to the point that my Fridays and Saturdays had this as an highlight.

They couldn't have picked a better lead couple than these two, - Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik - did a great job with their roles and had a fairly great chemistry. But Happiness is more than romance, in fact it focuses on the build up to that, on those hidden feelings one is not aware until the world turns upside down. It's all about survival and finding Happiness in all forms.

"If I lose him, I might really crumble." - Yoon Sae Bom

That and the fact that Happiness is different to everyone. To some that comes by the demise of others, to others it's all about control, to others is fame and likes, and some it's even greed or by getting their hands tainted with blood... And yet for those who are rightful, - Happiness - can be a materialistic thing as a Home or the comfort of loved ones and our parents. But a Home can be more than a House, sometimes it's only warm when shared with the right person, like the case of our main leads.

"Getting an apartment is important, but who you're with is more important." - Jung Yi Hyun

What I really like about Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun is on how equal feet they are when it comes to their action and decisions, how they always have each others back and go to the extreme to protect one another. It shows from the very start that they really like each other, but to acknowledge that sometimes it needs a push or in this case the world they once knew crumbling down. While facing the demons that people can bring to the table in apocalyptic scenarios, and coping to deal with it by trying to maintain order even when most people do not cooperate or are against them. They don't wait in dangerous situations, they take action and run if necessary. They access what is happening and try to come up with solutions or act on the moment to solve it.

Both of them are not flawed, - no one is - but it's nice to see that in a drama there can be balance between the leads, instead of the typical damsel in distress or the tripping and falling down cliché. They are both fierce with their beliefs for justice and find themselves trapped in lockdown with numeral individuals that will test not only them but also everyone along the way.

Yi Hyun trusts in Sae Bom, and she does too when it comes to him. He represents those who are sure of their feelings, while she on the other hand represents those who only realize when its too late... like a wake up call. Perhaps, she knew all along, she just dismissed thinking it would not be reciprocated because they started with a contractual marriage to get an apartment.

However, - like I mentioned above, - Happiness is more than mere tragic romance.
It's all about making tough and egoistic decisions for the sake of our loved ones and mankind.

"I did all sorts of things to lower the number of the infected. Lockdowns, quarantine, killing. I have enough blood on my hands." - Han Tae Seok

It's a matter of surviving lockdown and well facing the worst kind of Humanity in a single building.
Sometimes the true monsters aren't those who are infected, but those who show their real and despicable selves.

"You are the real monsters, not the infected." - Jung Yi Hyun

If we manage to look into the overall picture, the drug, the infected or "zombies" and the whole martial law is what is surrounding and aiding the true plot. This being the residents and how they evolve and act while on lockdown. How the main leads deal with the situation, how the residents try to survive, all the schemes, the deep dark secrets inside of several different apartments, the social classes, the different individuals, their hidden agendas and how doom can change people from better to worst. It was never about only the cure, that is important but it's side plot, it's more about showing the difference between those who are infected and act on impulse and need, and those who revel themselves to the be worse monsters in the end.

There's quite the symbolic value this drama uphold. For example the 'Good Cop, Bad Cop strategy' that Yi Hyun mentions about himself and Sae Bom, can also work for Han Tae Seok and Lieutenant Lee Ji Soo who works with him. And that strategy is used throughout the whole drama too in many occasions. Even when Yi Hyun decides he will be the bad cop, and Sae Bom the other.

"When one plays the bad cop and gets angry and scares people, the other uses nice words to persuade them."

It's seem like a foretelling line, for when the moment comes they act like so without realizing. It's he presence and soothing words, that bring him back to her. And also her impulsive act to save him and his decision in such a dangerous situation that defines their roles. They will do everything and beyond to keep each other safe even if it means to make sacrifices.

This drama has plenty of those. Choices and sacrifices that make the characters become either twisted, or revert from that and gaining the Humanity they didn't have or had lost. An example of that is most likely Kim Dong Hyun, the son of the elderly couple from Unit 302. Who always seek for likes and fame by streaming everything he could get his hands on. And yet as the story progresses he embodies the fear, shame and the selfish act of leaving his parents behind afraid to get infected.

"If you happen to see him. Tell him to come back home. Tell him, we're okay.
That's what a home is. You come home when things get tough." - Kim Hak Je, Senior Resident of Unit 302

Only to return home when what he feared the most happens.

"He'll be able to hold out longer... if he stays with his family." - Jung Yi Hyun

And despite his actions towards his parents, Dong Hyun is welcomed with open arms, as if a "good" son is returning home, now apologetic and more grounded than before. A message for us to cherish those we love, and that they may be our greatest strength in times of need.

There are several frustrating moments, mainly caused by despicable characters such as Oh Joo Hyung (dermatologist), Oh Yeon Ok (Resident Representative), Gook Hae Sung (Lawyer), Woo Sang Hee (Joo Hyun's mistress), and let's face it Go Se Gyu and Ji Moon Hee (the SY cleaning couple) too.

"I'll beat up anyone I find annoying." - Yoon Sae Bom

Probably the most direct Happiness we all felt through the drama was by how many times she did this to Oh Joo Hyung.

And there was also a couple of mysterious characters in the plot - Kim Se Hoon and Andrew - who likely contributed to many theories and a plot twist into the story. Sometimes, there are hints along the drama that lead to that, only we aren't able to notice them all or they just show them in the end when that truly happens.

The plot twist of the real culprit was interesting.
I had theories of my own, as I am sure mostly everyone did by some point when it came down to these two characters.

To be honest, the real one felt detached from the plot. Like a mere coincidence that just happened, and it was all in his favor.
It made more sense if it was near my theory that he was in fact the one behind the drug NEXT and that he was seeing the "lab rats" aka the infected act and mostly from the rooftop while on lockdown. And not what they come up to and no reasons for what he did and does. Perhaps it's just his own Happiness in doing so. Maybe that's why they did like so, who knows.

All I know is that the plot has it's holes that much is certain. But again the focus is mainly on the residents and survival rather than where did the drug come from and how the cure works. The acting here is what keeps us wanting for more. And I am not only talking about the main leads. Even the guest roles here where interesting to see. For example Sae Bom's colleague Lee Sueng Yeong interpreted by the brilliant Lee Kyu Hyung (funny how Looney turned out so good that he joined the SOU)

The Production. Now this is what makes this drama different than most. The way it was written, made and filmed. The cinematography so believable that they are in fact in a real complex unit building of rented and fancy bought apartments. The intros with the title Happiness, showing the opposite of that. It almost seem Netflix worth it, with certain foreign like influences here and there but at the same time true to a K-drama. Hard to explain the concept of it. It's interesting, and pleasing to see. What compliments with all of this, it has to be the OST. So many good artists and singers, and amazing songs to match the scenes of this drama. The lyrics also with plenty of meaning. One of my favorites it has to be 'Pain' by Hong Isaac.

This drama came to life because of all of this combined, everyone's effort.
Park Hyung Sik long awaited acting comeback is a success, and him pairing up with Hyo Joo gave us a new kickass ship besides the MinMin and BongBong ship we have had ever since he starred with Bo Young in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.
More than the ship, I like how he represented Yi Hyun. Makes me look forward to more of his projects with good premisses.

"I realized when you said... that a home... depends on whom you're with. I'll stay with you from now on. Stay with me. Whatever you're like, I'm okay with everything." - Yoon Sae Bom

These two be raising the standards of main leads.

Highly recommend this if you like survival storylines, with a warning that it has it's breaks of infected but that it focus more towards human and inhuman dissociation of the survivors, rather than those who were infected. It doesn't have cliché scenes, it has more schemes and plot twists.

Plus factor it only has 12 episodes, although if you like you will find yourself wanting a couple more. And well by the ending... it fairly need that option. Endings are mostly rushed, and this one wasn't any different in that regard unfortunately.

Still it's a good drama if you give it a go. With an amazing production, awesome acting and a killer OST.

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Probably hands down the best couple...

What makes this drama special?

Well, besides the great chemistry between the lead couple, - Jin Moo Hak and Da Li - played by Kim Min Jae and Park Gyu Young, all the hilarious interactions of Moo Hak and Won Tak (Hwang Hee), definitely the catchy music and a few pieces of art and art filters, perhaps the way it develops.

But more than that, is the fact that we have reverse roles that give a refreshing sight to the storyline and characters. We find ourselves keep on wanting more. From admiring to how composed Da Li seems to be, and how knowledgeable she is towards certain subjects while being able to speak more than one language, although quite terrible at managing her own personal life.

And we keep on laughing aloud with Moo Hak and his dumb antics and exaggerated reactions, to all of his memorable and absurd moments where he can ridicule himself to no end. And yet there is an authentic aura coming out from him, of someone who knows how to survive and thrive with his business despite having less studies and the support of his family.

The whole deal with opposites attract, can define them.

Da Li and Moo Hak couldn't be any more different and yet they can compliment each other and bring out the best while showing each other the worst. They clicked from the very first moment, from the very first misunderstanding, from their unique bonding and the sole adventure that led for them to lean on each other and tell their darkest fears and secrets while trusting one another.

The thing about this drama is that both leads are strong characters and both have integrity.
They are well written. In such a way that we value their actions and scenes because of that.
We don't have weakest links among them, even among the clichés they manage to avoid most.
The moment they surpass a certain breaking point, they are linked and trust in each other.

That is definitely what I like most about this. The way Da Li always knows when Moo Hak is joking, when others call him dumb and doubt of his intelligence, and the way Moo Hak always knows how to comfort her when she needs it, - be it by a warm meal or a simple hug, - he is there for her. He does not judge her, and she doesn't judge him either. While others around have prejudices and point out their flaws, both Da Li and Moo Hak see their strengths and qualities even in their weakest moments.

What lacks in this drama?

The mystery. It's very predictable, it's not hard to see who is behind everything or following the hints in every single episode and figure the whole puzzle. Disappointing to say the very least. I found myself continuing this drama solely by 3 characters and their respective arch's - Moo Hak, Da Li and Won Tak. The rest falls down flat. Although I must say that the bonus character we can all admire is probably Moo Hak's secretary Yeo Mi Ri played by Hwang Bo Ra. Loyal, funny and friendly,

Storyline is the same as most dramas, corruption blending in with family dramas, oh and the petty Ex.
The highlight is the comedy, the iconic style, the symbolic messages this drama has under the lines.
Family does not always end in blood. Acceptance and freedom of expression. Even with losses learn to value the importance of a warm meal on the table, and the presence of your loved ones close by, the whole do what you love and love what you do, etc.

The palete in this drama is the most interesting as well as the whimsical style of it. It's all based on works of art, and well the story is set in a gallery too. Da Li's colorful outfits and unique hairstyle seems straight out of a painting, the filters at the end of each episode embody that as well.
The OST has a few catchy tunes with English lines that we can't help but to notice it.

Overall is not a bad drama, not the best either.
But it's a light romantic comedy to enjoy.
Probably hands down the best couple...
Not toxic, not giving up, not many clichés.

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If you want to bore yourself to death for 2 hours.... give it a go?

I found this movie by a recommendation and decide to give it a go, after finding the page on MDL.

Truth be told I was expecting something different... despite the genre and tags presented.

It's like a poorly attempt at a dark comedy thriller, only it has a few corny jokes and some forced satire of thriller/horror with numerous sound effects to break into the serious moments. Just when you think it is getting serious or down to business there it goes once again, and the abuse of anti-climatic music is astonishing to say the very least.

It's also very slow paced for an almost 2 hour movie which may become boring at some given points. The plot itself had potential, but both the storyline and the characters aren't worth it in the end. It does not move or engage the viewer who sees it, in fact there were many times where even I felt like skipping scenes and see what was ahead or if I should drop it before falling asleep on top of the keyboard (mind it the sound effects here probably wouldn't let me anyway)

The motives for the killings and all the plot twists while trying to be creative wasn't all that engaging or dim worthy for me. It seemed mostly cliché and a total mess. And even though the detail of the victims belongings being placed like tokens into that toy that was special to the killer felt like a nice touch there, it's nothing we haven't seen before into stories like this one, right?

Also... talk about bad timings, with the phone going on at the crucial moment ever.
Anddddd... that is probably why I usually keep mine on silent mode, so I guess am safe.
Office work sure is a dangerous profession nowadays huh, not even the paper is spared in there.

The cinematography is not entirely bad, and I like the overall color scheme here. Mostly neutral colors and plenty of red or dark climatic scenes, they tried to set the mood for both genres they were trying to convey. And yet the background music annoyed me in many moments, it's overly used and settled to break into comical relief but it also creates the illusion that something big is bound to happen... and then.... it doesn't.

It's not the best and certainly not the worst movie I've seen.
But would be something I would see again? No. Definitely not.

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Started off with a kick, only to end flat

Woah what to say about this? I have no clue, as I have just finished watching the last episode and am at a loss of words for this. And although usually that can happen because the drama was that good that drives one speechless, this one was not the case.

Lovers of the Red Sky had plenty of reasons to be a good hit. A phenomenal and seasoned cast, pretty awesome CGI effects, and partially an interesting premisse for a plot, although slightly cliché with the star-crossed lovers theme and well curses and fantasy of Joseon historical dramas. Still, we had a few expectations towards this, given the main leads and cast.

To bad it didn't last long. The first couple of episodes were good, despite the storyline of the whole we know each other in our childhood plotline being the same as ever, and tragic events that lead them to be apart, it is still endurable to watch. Even though the whole story being centered about the sealing of the Demon, there is still something missing within the middle of the series and towards the end. Something not even I can fully explain, it just does. It drags and drags, until the final episode.

The secrets and schemes are easily spilled and presented to the viewers creating no chance for any theories, we just see the clueless characters being havoc with something we ourselves already know. It looses the essence, the magic and surprise effect the drama could uphold with a few couple of plot twists that never happen. And the ones that do, are too predictable or simply not interesting enough besides aiding to the angsty plot they are trying to sell throughout these 16 episodes here.

It's a mess with good CGI effects and a few beautiful paintings.
If you are into art like me then the art and the way they painted and made paints in the drama will be far more interesting than the whole plot of the obsessed Demon with his eyes, and the whole Ritual that is bound to happen, but takes a lifetime, a few ruined paintings, some misunderstandings, two bystander Deities and well 16 episodes to finally take place.

This clearly shows us the lesson of the whole, 'why save everything for the last 10 minutes' when you could have made in 12 episodes instead... That useless time skip only to offer a sort of "Happy Ending" with a 'strange miracle' that no one will ever get how it happened... And btw for a King who complained of not having much time to live, years later and he still kicking. The ending with the two angry Princes? Again for someone who complained to not have time, the older Prince is still stronger than ever... (mind that shaving while locked down was probably a given, because years later and he still looks dandy.)

Who dies? Who lives?
So many answers that were left unsaid.
Well besides me - and any other viewer, - dying of boredom.
Not sure about the rest that was left in thin air...
Plot holes, plot holes EVERYWHERE.

Don't get me wrong.
It's not that I did not want a happy ending here or don't like them per se. But there's a "little" thing called cohesive storyline and this drama had a twine of that instead. If this was compared to a lifeline support, it was erratic for its inconsistencies and fell flat from the middle towards the end.

Died faster than the King if I may say.
Ghosted us better than the Crown Prince too.

So, how come I, - like most people who are sharing their disappointment - did not drop this drama?
How come was I able to stay until the very end? And endure this historical train wreck for 2 months?
Well, besides the cast doing their roles the best they could, we could say the OST did a good and pleasant job. And perhaps my sheer curiosity made me hope for a better outcome than the one it had. With one more episode, one more week until today.

It's not surprising that drama endings are mostly a huge disappointment. This is not a first, and will certainly not be the last. After all we all created great expectations and have different opinions and likes, so in order to not be disgruntled about it, the best we could do is to not expect that everything will go smoothly. It's easier said than done, because we are bound to make the same mistake by another synopsis and good premisse, let 'Lovers of the Red Sky' be a good example for that.

In terms of cinematography it was somehow enjoyable in some given points. I also liked the color pallet in general here, from the pastel colors of their childhood and the fact that her "blind eyes" were pale green, to the darker shades as the plot sort of "intensified" (well they tried to), and the detail that his "blind eyes" were pale red.

The "sacrifices" were either pointless or with bad timings. And the fillers were endless.
Good luck for those of you starting of this drama, it's not bad. Believe me there is worse than this.
But if you're easily peeved by unresolved situations or characters, or by everything happening last minute despite going on and off about if for most part of the story, then this drama is not for you.

Still, do not create expectations.
Give it a go. If you don't like it, then drop it.
Don't be dumb like me, don't be sadistic like most of us.
We lost 2 months of our precious time so we could save you all xD

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