Reviews

A Climactic Finale of Power, Revenge, and Redemption

Story: "The Penthouse Season 3" serves as the grand finale to the intense saga of Hera Palace. This season focuses on the ultimate downfall and redemption of the main characters. The stakes are higher than ever as long-buried secrets come to light and justice is sought. The story is a thrilling rollercoaster, wrapping up the complex narratives built over the previous seasons.

Characters: In this final season, characters such as Shim Su-ryeon, Cheon Seo-jin, and Joo Dan-tae face their greatest challenges yet. The actors deliver some of their best performances, portraying a wide range of emotions from despair to triumph. New characters are introduced, adding fresh conflicts and perspectives, while familiar faces get the closure their arcs deserve.

Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography remain strong points, with the soundtrack intensifying key moments and the visual aesthetics capturing the opulence and darkness of the world. The high production values continue to enhance the dramatic atmosphere, making each scene visually and emotionally impactful.

Plot: The plot of Season 3 is packed with unexpected twists and high-stakes drama. Every episode brings shocking revelations and climactic confrontations, ensuring viewers are constantly on the edge of their seats. The intricate web of lies, betrayals, and alliances reaches its peak, culminating in a satisfying and dramatic conclusion.

Critique: While the final season delivers on many fronts, some viewers might find certain plot developments to be overly dramatic or improbable. The fast-paced and high-intensity storyline can feel overwhelming at times, and the sheer volume of twists might leave some plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. However, for fans of the series, these elements contribute to the thrilling ride that "The Penthouse" is known for.

Conclusion: "The Penthouse Season 3" provides a gripping and fitting conclusion to the series. Its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high production values make it a standout drama. Despite some melodramatic excesses, the season ties up loose ends and delivers a powerful finale that will satisfy long-time fans.

Rating: 7.5/10

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A Must-Watch Sequel Packed with Intense Drama and Shocking Twists!

Story: "The Penthouse Season 2" continues the saga of Hera Palace's elite residents, delving deeper into their intertwined lives filled with secrets, ambition, and vengeance. The season picks up where the first left off, escalating the drama and intensity as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and new rivalries emerge.

Characters: The characters in this season become even more complex, with new dimensions of their personalities revealed. Shim Su-ryeon, Logan Lee, and the rest of the cast deliver powerful performances, keeping viewers emotionally invested. The addition of new characters adds fresh dynamics and heightens the tension among the residents.

Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography in "The Penthouse Season 2" maintain the high standards set by the first season. The soundtrack perfectly complements the drama's intense moments, while the visual presentation continues to capture the opulence and darkness of Hera Palace, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Plot: The plot in Season 2 is a rollercoaster of shocking twists and turns, with each episode unveiling new secrets and cliffhangers. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that viewers remain hooked from start to finish. The storylines are intricately woven, blending themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.

Critique: While "The Penthouse Season 2" excels in many areas, it does lean heavily into melodrama, which might not appeal to all viewers. Some plot twists can feel a bit far-fetched, and the high-stakes drama can occasionally border on the excessive. However, for fans of intense storytelling and dramatic flair, these elements add to the show's charm.

Conclusion: Overall, "The Penthouse Season 2" is a thrilling continuation of the saga that fans of the first season will find deeply satisfying. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high production values, it solidifies its place as a standout in the world of drama series. Despite some melodramatic excesses, it remains an addictive watch.

Rating: 8/10

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Not a romantic comedy but has its cute and comedic moments

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

Even though “Boys Be Brave!” has a comedy tag, I would not classify this drama as a romantic comedy. There are supposedly comedic moments, but they are not my favorite moments. Instead, there are other deeper meanings regarding each character and their past. This drama is more than a crush moving into your house, and you can’t hide your feelings anymore.

Although I enjoy the general plot and a more mature tone, I think the acting and writing could be better. None of the characters are perfect and are actually flawed, and I like that. However, I also do not see why anyone would like Jin Woo. I personally do not like his personality and the actor’s portrayal of him. Kim Sung Hyun’s acting is the weakest of the four guys and he also has the worst styling (aside from Ki Sub’s hair extensions). I admit, I don’t find the actor attractive. Jung Ki Sub is supposedly the handsome one. He’s not bad looking, but his character is introduced as such a scatterbrain that he’s not attractive either. However, I can see how opposites attract.

On the other hand, I am far more interested in secondary romance. I wish the drama has spent a little more time on their story and a little less time on how ditzy Ki Sub is. We barely hit the surface of their romance with a couple dates yet they have much better chemistry than the main leads. I am not sure if it’s the translation, but I sure wish being a ‘better’ person is much more than being rich. I also think this pair is better looking. LOL

“Boys Be Brave!” is an easy and short watch with a predictable story, if you are looking for something not too fluffy but have cute moments. I like the songs and for a lower budget production, I don’t see any much product placement. I watch this on Viki and I am not sure why it’s rated R. Aside from a few kisses and maybe a more mature plot, this is not one to watch for sexy scenes.

Completed: 5/21/2024 - Review #442

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this is the kind of bls that needs to be support

tbh, this bl could have been a 10

LIKES:

-The story. the bl's drama, comedy, romance, etc it's really well mange into the story until some point. I never wanted to stop watching it and I felt like every character was interesting.

-Cast. THE ACTING IS GOOD!!! I'm really sorry but sometimes even if the story is good but the acting isn't, I just can't watch it and I'll not enjoy it. thank god this is NOT the case for this bl. actors and actresses were great. the acting felt so natural and smooth

-Picture. Hello??? the scenes were so beautiful, the colos, the scenarios, etc.

-Chemistry. the main couple, the second and them as friends was perfect! ngl, the main couple got me giggling and kicking my feet ☝️ they're so cute. please give jimmysea an opportunity If you haven't watched this bl.

DISLIKES.

-only one thing I didn't like and that's the time skips. I understand the plot of the drama but idk, there were lot of time skips, some things could be better without losing the rhythm of the bl. still it wasn't that bad cause I still enjoyed it and it didn't make me change my perspective of the previous episodes!


Conclusion.
definitely one of my favorites Thai bls, good story, good cast, chemistry, production, soundtrack, acting, just everything. I wish more ppl could support this bl for all the elements I just mentioned instead of just focusing on whether a bl has nc scenes or not. give it a try, you'll love it

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pretty sweet!

i randomly clicked on this on netflix and was pleasantly suprised! two mains are really sweet, i found the actor for kakeru very talented, he really embodied the role. also loved yui's character he was really funny and supportive. the romatic tension scenes were actually really good, they really followed the classic tropes but still were natural. especially the sleeping bag trip one that one was sooo well done.

something i didn't really like though was the way yamato forgot about the kiss on the bridge. it kind of made the buildup all worthless, and i didn't really enjoy the last few episodes after that. the thing that probably threw me off the most was the overuse of the bokeh filter when anything slightly romantic happend. i understand its there to show the watcher that the scene is making the characters feel butterflies and all that but it was just TOOOO much. it showed up almost every episode more than once and it definitley took away from the emotionalness of the scenes because i was too busy laughing over the fact that omg heres the bokeh filter again! the filming and actual camera work of the bl was really good (besides bokeh..) and definitley added to the enjoyement.

though this had some flaws, over all it was pretty sweet and was of high quality.

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best bl to ever grace this earth...

if anyone is considering watching, do yourself a favor and start now.

this is the best drama i've ever watched. the story was so well done and suprisingly paced well, it didn't feel rushed at all. it actually had a cohesive storyline that I could follow, unlike some of the other far fetched and confusing storylines that seem to be prominent in bls. the romance in this drama is top tier, all of their romantic scenes were amazingly done and they felt natural, not awkward or out of nowhere at all. the music is suprisngly good, it seems to be hard to find dramas with good music lately. they're so good i even had to put them on my playlist, i really like can you stay. actors are really good too, i feel their chemistry! loooove the side characters too.

overall this is just an amazing drama and i've rewatched it like a billion times ;P

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Superb show based on historical events

The cast was well selected with mature and superb acting from the lead and support actors giving depth to the show. The story takes place during the Japanese occupation of China in World War 2, specifically in the city of Harbin in the then puppet state of Manchukuo. The drama borrows from actual events that took place in Manchukuo including the operation of the infamous Unit 731 where the Japanese conducted research on chemical and biological weapons using humans for their experiments. Fascinating drama especially for those interested in the history of China through the Republucan era and into World War 2.

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Super cute, fluffy & funny. The show had potential but it flopped in my opinion.

The show had so much potential but they prolonged the romance between the two leads until almost near the very end of the series. I got bored waiting for the leads to show progression within their relationship. I like slow burns if it's done correctly but halfway through the series the two leads characters weren't showing any sign of advancing from their cat-and-mouse game. It was cute at first when they didn't know they knew each other irl and then almost finding out they did know each after all, it was so painful after they did find out they knew each other but kept prolonging the development of the romance between them. Even the 2nd leads got it worse especially when they introduced a love triangle I wanted to smash my head in. They just added too many plots in the show cold male turns to he's nice, multiple love stories, stalker, mean bosses, frenemies, love hate relationship, multiple love triangles I thought it was never gonna stop, mother trying to marry off her daughter/nosey mother & they kept adding so much drama once one was finished which didn't last long they would add more not allowing the characters to develop in their romance. Hidden office romance, jealous coworkers who steal just remembered more. I wish they would have laid back on so many plots. I did enjoy seeing how people love video games now and it's for both genders and how people like different gaming styles, also showing girls can be badass gamers and develop games.

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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Drama Experience – A Must-Watch for Every Drama Lover!

**Story:**
"The Penthouse Season 1" offers a gripping tale set in the luxurious world of a high-rise apartment building where the residents' lives intertwine with deceit, ambition, and revenge. The storyline is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each new development.

**Characters:**
The characters in "The Penthouse" are complex and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and secrets. From the conniving Cheon Seo-jin to the determined Oh Yoon-hee, the cast delivers stellar performances that bring their characters to life.

**Music/Cinematography:**
The music and cinematography in "The Penthouse" are top-notch, enhancing the atmosphere and adding depth to the story. From sweeping aerial shots of the opulent apartment building to haunting musical scores, every detail is meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the world of the drama.

**Plot:**
The plot of "The Penthouse" is intricately woven, full of shocking twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end. As secrets are revealed and alliances shift, the stakes continue to rise, making for a thrilling and addictive viewing experience.

**Critique:**
While "The Penthouse" is undoubtedly captivating, some viewers may find certain plot points to be overly melodramatic or unrealistic. Additionally, the sheer number of characters and subplots can be overwhelming at times, making it difficult to keep track of everyone's motivations and relationships.

**Conclusion:**
Overall, "The Penthouse Season 1" is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful dramas filled with intrigue and betrayal. Despite its flaws, the stellar performances, gripping storyline, and stunning visuals make it a standout addition to the genre.

**Rating: 8/10**

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Heartwarming & Thought-Provoking

Oh boy, where do I even start with "Miss Hammurabi"? This drama had me hooked, made me think, and even made me laugh out loud. If you're contemplating whether to dive into this legal world, let me be your guide—trust me, it's worth it!

**Story and Pacing**

First off, the story! It kicks off with an exciting bang, introducing us to the contrasting worlds of our main characters, Im Ba Reun and Park Cha Oh Reum. The initial episodes are electric, setting up a fantastic dynamic between these two judges who are polar opposites. However, I have to admit, there were a few episodes in the middle that felt like they were dragging their feet a bit. I found myself drifting, but then—BAM! The drama picks up again and finishes with such strength that it left me cheering. Seriously, the last few episodes are pure gold.

** Characters and Chemistry**

Now, let’s talk about the characters. Kim Myung-soo (L) as Im Ba Reun was a revelation. I went into this drama during an L appreciation binge, and boy, did he deliver. His portrayal of a serious, somewhat cold-hearted judge was spot-on. And those moments when his cute side peeked through? My heart melted. Go Ara as Park Cha Oh Reum was equally compelling. Her character is the kind of passionate, justice-driven rookie that you can't help but root for. Her backstory, revealed over time, adds layers to her character and made me fall in love with the drama even more.

The chemistry between the leads was subtle but oh-so-effective. This is slow-burn romance at its finest. It’s so slow that I almost forgot there was any romance until it popped up again—talk about playing the long game! Their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding, which felt refreshing and realistic. Im Ba Reun's confession didn't create unnecessary drama; instead, it added depth to their dynamic.

Sung Dong-il as Chief Judge Han Se-sang? Absolute perfection. He brought a mix of seriousness and humor that kept the tone balanced. The interactions among all the characters felt genuine and heartfelt, making it easy to get attached to each of them.

** Themes and Realism**

What really sets "Miss Hammurabi" apart is its focus on real-life issues. The drama doesn't shy away from tackling heavy topics like workplace harassment, gender inequality, and the rich vs. poor divide. It’s like a mirror reflecting societal problems, but with a touch of hope and a call for empathy. The fact that the writer is a real-life judge adds an extra layer of authenticity to the courtroom scenes. I mean, how do they even find the time to write such compelling scripts? Kudos to Moon Yoo-seok!

The title "Miss Hammurabi" intrigued me, especially since it’s based on the ancient Code of Hammurabi, emphasizing justice and fairness. It’s a fitting name, especially with Park Cha Oh Reum’s character being the moral compass who sometimes goes too far, needing Im Ba Reun to pull her back to balance.

** Music and Final Thoughts**

And can we talk about the OST? It's simply beautiful. The music perfectly complements the scenes, enhancing the emotional impact without overwhelming the story. I especially loved the song that plays at the end of each episode, reminding me that "It’s alright, it’ll all be fine, someday." It was like a warm hug after a rollercoaster of emotions.

To wrap it up, "Miss Hammurabi" is a gem. It’s not just about the law; it’s about people, their struggles, and their growth. If you’re into slice-of-life dramas with a slow-burn romance and a whole lot of heart, give this one a shot. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted series that might just make you see the world a little differently.

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A Captivating Blend of Romance, Self-Discovery, and Teen Drama

Story: "True Beauty" follows the journey of Lim Ju-kyung, a high school student who discovers the transformative power of makeup. Battling insecurities about her appearance, she navigates high school life while keeping her newfound beauty a secret. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a love triangle between Lee Su-ho and Han Seo-jun, further complicating her journey of self-discovery.

Characters: Lim Ju-kyung is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with self-esteem resonate with many viewers. Lee Su-ho is the brooding and mysterious love interest, while Han Seo-jun adds charm and warmth to the mix. Supporting characters like Lim Ju-kyung's family and friends contribute to the richness of the story, each with their own unique quirks and challenges.

Plot: The plot of "True Beauty" is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with twists and turns that keep viewers engaged. From heartfelt moments of self-acceptance to dramatic confrontations and unexpected revelations, the story never fails to deliver suspense and excitement.

Music/Cinematography: The drama's soundtrack perfectly complements the tone and mood of each scene, enhancing the viewing experience. Additionally, the cinematography captures the beauty of the characters and settings, immersing viewers in the world of "True Beauty."

Critique: While "True Beauty" offers a compelling story and well-developed characters, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés found in Korean dramas. Some viewers may find certain plot points predictable or repetitive, and there are moments when the pacing feels uneven. However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the drama's heartfelt moments and relatable themes.

Conclusion: Overall, "True Beauty" is a delightful drama that offers a mix of romance, comedy, and coming-of-age themes. Its engaging characters, unpredictable plot, and touching moments of self-discovery make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Rating: 8/10

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Top Notch!!!

I was blown away by this lakorn drama, which tells the powerful story of a woman's life as a prostitute in the midst of historical turmoil. The incredible performance of Engfa Waraha as one of the lead is just one of the many highlights of this outstanding production.

The story is deeply moving and thought-provoking, tackling themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The writing is superb, with complex characters and a narrative that unfolds at a pace that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Everyone that cast in this drama are equally impressive, with each actor delivering a standout performance that adds to the overall impact of the show.

The production values are also top-notch, with stunning cinematography that brings the historical setting to life in vivid detail. The attention to detail is impressive, from the costumes and sets to the score and sound design. Every aspect of the production comes together to create a truly immersive viewing experience.

If you're looking for a lakorn drama that will leave you emotionally moved and intellectually stimulated, then this is definitely the show for you. With its powerful storytelling, outstanding performances, and exceptional production values, this is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

**Recommendation:** If you enjoy historical dramas with complex characters and strong storytelling, then this lakorn is definitely worth checking out. Fans of Engfa Waraha's work will also appreciate her outstanding performance in this show.

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My first Korean drama

Introduction: "Crash Landing On You" is a captivating romantic drama that deftly weaves together elements of romance, comedy, and political intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the Korean peninsula's division, the series follows the unlikely love story between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean army officer.

Plot: The story kicks off when Yoon Se-ri, portrayed by Son Ye-jin, accidentally crash-lands in North Korea while paragliding. There, she encounters Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin, who reluctantly helps her evade authorities and return home safely. However, as their paths continue to cross, their initial animosity transforms into a deep and forbidden love. As they navigate the challenges posed by their differing backgrounds and the political tensions between their countries, their bond grows stronger, culminating in a series of heartfelt and emotionally charged moments.

Characters: The characters in "Crash Landing On You" are richly developed and endearing. Yoon Se-ri is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who finds herself out of her element in North Korea. Ri Jeong-hyeok, on the other hand, is depicted as a stoic and honorable army officer torn between his duty and his feelings for Yoon Se-ri. The supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story, with each character playing a pivotal role in the protagonists' journey.

Themes: At its core, "Crash Landing On You" explores themes of love, sacrifice, and reconciliation. Through the lens of its central romance, the series delves into the complexities of North-South Korean relations and the barriers that divide people. It highlights the universal nature of love and the transformative power of human connection, transcending political and cultural boundaries.

Critique: While "Crash Landing On You" is undoubtedly a compelling drama, it occasionally relies on clichés and predictable plot devices. Some viewers may find certain plot twists to be overly melodramatic or convenient. Additionally, the portrayal of North Korea has been criticized for its idealization and lack of depth. Despite these shortcomings, the series succeeds in delivering an emotionally resonant story with memorable characters and breathtaking cinematography.

Conclusion: Overall, "Crash Landing On You" is a masterfully crafted drama that grips viewers from start to finish. Its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and stunning cinematography make it a standout in the world of K-dramas. Whether you're a fan of romance, comedy, or political intrigue, this series offers something for everyone. Prepare to be swept away by the heartfelt journey of Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok as they defy the odds to be together.

Rating: 9.0/10

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Annoying Male Lead

I was excited to dive into this lakorn drama, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The main issue for me was the male lead, played by (Pon), who was just too frustrating to watch. His constant blaming of everyone and everything around him was not only annoying but also problematic.

The show started off strong, with an intriguing storyline and decent character development. However, as the episodes progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the male lead's behavior. His lack of accountability and tendency to shift the blame to others made it hard for me to connect with him or care about his journey.

By episode 10, I had reached my breaking point and couldn't take it anymore. The male lead's character was just too grating, and I couldn't see myself continuing to watch the show with him at the center.

Overall, while this lakorn drama had some potential, it ultimately fell short for me due to the problematic character development of the male lead. If you're looking for a drama with a strong male lead, you might want to look elsewhere.

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