This review may contain spoilers
A Daily dose of sunshine
The title mislead me . I thought it was to be a charming romantic comedy . I had not read any comments beforehand . So I was taken aback by the contents . But the drama is so well put together , scripted and acted ( by all the cast ) that I found it hard not to be glued to it . Mental illness is a bit of a taboo here , but it is treated with so much care , compassion , understanding and healing by skilled workers dedicated to their chosen profession , that it also changed my understanding of mental illness . It is a beautiful drama , with empathy and humour where healing succeeds to help all patients to be human beings again who want to survive , live and and enjoy themselves in a rough world and who have a place in society .Was this review helpful to you?
Thrilling dark BL with master - servant relationship: captivating, wish it was longer!
This BL movie is centred around the master-servant relationship of two guys, as they are intertwinkled with each other while facing a dire criminal situation. I really enjoyed the story and I honestly wish the film would have been longer, especially to have more time in the last act of the script and with the conclusion.The chemistry between the two main leads was very strong and captivating. One of the character has a clear chokehold on the other one, the introduction and the set up allows the viewer to immediatly grasp the toxicity of the link between the protagonists. I truly enjoyed the performance of the two main actors but I found the antogonists a bit too caricatural. I think the scenario is really carrying the performances of the cast, it really provided great acting opportunities for the two main males leads but was maybe not developped enough regarding the antagonists and the crime aspect of the film.
The filmmaking was good with an indie feel that I appreciated. I loved the referencse to Plato’s "Other Half" speech, it was so adequate with the feelings of the main characters and truly added an additional layer of deepness to their relationship. The soundtrack was pretty gloomy and angsty, very fitting with the dark atmosphere of the movie.
I would recommend this to people looking for a captivating BL relationship with subservient/dominant tones. Given the context in which the characters are evolving, be aware that it is a pretty toxic, violent and triggering story. It is very thrilling and chocking at the same time, I wish it would have been more developed on some aspects (especially regarding the past of the two main characters) but it might be me being greedy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I consider this a fantasy drama not a contemporary drama.
"Only for Love," has the talented duo of Dylan Wang as Shi Yan and Bai Lu as Zheng Shuyi. As a fan of their previous works, I eagerly anticipated their collaboration in this fantasy-like story that attempts to bridge the gap between reality and imagination. I cannot call this contemporary - hence the use of the term fantasy. If you go into this with that thought then you will ignore all the inconsistencies to how the real world works.I really like Dylan Wang and Bai Lu in their previous dramas, however "Only for Love" falls short in certain aspects. Particularly in its character development. The characters, particularly Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi, seem poorly written, lacking the depth and complexity that would have allowed the actors to showcase their full range of talents.
One noticeable aspect is the delivery of lines, where maybe the actors could have benefited from better voice coaching? The delivery often fell short of expectations. This broke the emotional connection between the characters and the audience. This improvement would have elevated the overall viewing experience and allowed for a more immersive engagement with the storyline.
The costuming choices in the drama were not my favourite. The cheesy aesthetics, though like I said, i consider this fantasy... struggled to find a balance between sincerity and satire. Yes, I am calling out Bai Lu in those knee-high boots!!! The drama might have fared better if it fully embraced a more satirical tone, allowing the audience to appreciate the intentional exaggeration rather than perceiving it as a drawback. I am thinking about King the Land and Business Proposal... they seem to have done this balance better.
There have been criticisms regarding the alleged objectification of women in the drama. While some viewers may hold this perspective, I feel that that "Only for Love" is a work of art, not obligated to reflect societal norms or promote any specific agenda. Art has the freedom to explore various themes and perspectives, and in this case, the creators chose to weave a fantasy narrative that might not align with everyone's expectations.
Despite its shortcomings, "Only for Love" has its merits. If you are a fan of Dylan Wang and Bai Lu and enjoy their on-screen chemistry, the drama provides a visually appealing experience. The fantasy-like setting, though struggling to portray itself as real life, offers a unique escape for those who appreciate the actors' previous works.
"Only for Love" is a drama that caters to a specific audience – those who are drawn to the charm of Dylan Wang and Bai Lu and are willing to overlook certain narrative and stylistic flaws. It is as a testament to the unpredictable nature of art, where personal preferences play a significant role in determining one's enjoyment of the overall viewing experience.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disgusting - worst kdrama I had watched
its all disgusting.do not waste your time. Cringe overload on chemistry of female character.also the story was meaningless.it didnt have character development.the story messing with all the characters.if you watch this drama u will die bcoz of cringe female lead character. Want to banned like this drama not mr queen.its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgustingdisgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting its all disgusting
You will thank me later.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wait, who is the main lead here?
Castaway Diva stars one of my favorite K drama actresses Park Eun Bin as Mok Ha. However, I am a "story first" kind of watcher. The fact that one of my favorite actors is included is just a bonus to me.When I initially envisioned Castaway Diva, I envisioned it as a story about overcoming trememdous odds. Overcoming enormous mental and physical suffering intertwined with loneliness and personal suffering, while still maintaining the vision, persistence and inner drive to pursue your dreams of becoming a famous singer/diva. It is possible to achieve one's goals even when facing the most adverse circumstances, with determination. Even with the psychological effects of years of isolation and loneliness, and how having a dream can help keep a person motivated even in the most difficult situations.
In reality, we got a story about child abuse on two fronts, one involving Mok Ha, and the other with Kang Geol. Both grew up in hardship caused by their fathers. Mok Ha escapes on a ferry. But after her father miraculously appears on the ferry she jumps off not far from the mainland and ends up on a deserted island where no one finds her or the island for 15 years.
In her now adult years, the time quickly passes past her teenage years (where many definite trials of survival were omitted). An abundant supply of washed up trash, combined with a variety of items that are good enough to get her by, eases the perceived hardship. She looks a little dirty and her clothing is worn. That's all the evidence we have of 15 years. A flashback shows her attempt to end her life, only to be saved by seeing a floating...cooler. Her mental state is worn a bit.
I'm not being overly critical here, these are things that actually happened. In EPISODE 1, she is rescued. My first thought was that they might be able to fill in many things through flashbacks. Furthermore, I felt the studio did not want to lose audiences to a drawn-out survival story and it would press Park Eun Bins' range once again, but I think her fans would like to see her in a different, more fairytale setting. Anyhow...
Adopting back into society is a breeze. The doctor has marked her health as good. Her skin, hair, and teeth are all in excellent health. In terms of body weight, she is in proportion to any other woman her age. It's all going well! It would have been better to just have her run away instead of having her be a castaway. With an abusive father and his death, her isolation and loneliness on a deserted island at 15, Mok Ha has been through a lot mentally. Despite this, she immediately finds strength to support her idol, Ran Joo, and launches a campaign to encourage HER comeback. It's not the other way around. In this story, Ran Joo takes center stage with Mok Ha supporting her as Ran Joo overcomes odds.
Wrapping up, overall it was a good production. Of course we have Bo Geol and Wook Hak's loving friendship and the psychotic father story. The main disappointment for me was not all the little issues as mentioned, but the fact that the ML took the role of the support person. Those who think otherwise would be fooling themselves. I just wish most of the focus was on ML.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This series was very enjoyable. I liked the character dynamic and the the chemistry was great. It took you on a ride of emotions and a mind trip of some people's thinking process. It may not be everyones cup of tea as there is a lot of social and mental dynamic but it fits the story very well, and it's very well put together, unlike some other Bl's that make it look horrible. I enjoyed the storyline and the cast was great. There is love, jealousy, hurt, fear, and self-development. I love that you see the growth of the characters, and how they want from high school to adulthood, and how their feelings and self-worth happen. Caring for one another in a home setting and growing and treasuring each other. This series was great, and would recommend it. Love the support that is shown from friends and how the relationship grows throughout the series and the flashback helps tell a great story. This series was touching and beautiful to watch. Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I tried. I tried really hard!! I stayed with this drama for the leads but I finally had to admit defeat. A drama with more internal dialogue than actual communication and even then, I didn’t understand the push and pull. ML as a CEO just wasn’t convincing enough… even with his glasses. He was socially awkward, borderline Asperger, and just off. He liked FL yet refused to do the simple things for her like give her a ride. He acted like such a jerk cuz he liked her? Umm… you’re a 30 year old CEO. FL… so smart, so resourceful as a reporter… yet she didn’t find out all the facts before making decisions in her relationship. I assumed it would be second nature to think inquisitively and see all perspectives as a journalist.And the music. The build up … that flopped more times than not with FL running away or the phone ringing. Drama has a serious case of FOMO. Voice mail is built in for a reason. You are important but it’s okay to not answer and check your voicemail once in a while!
Oh well…may their next drama be better than this one!
Was this review helpful to you?
Not really a BL but rather a strong, raw and brutal psychological story with a lot of trauma
This movie is very difficult to describe: it is about a very traumatic event happening to a school teacher as his life falls literally into pieces. It is raw, brutal and violent in addition of featuring a community of outcasts and a darker side of the Japanese society. It confronts the viewer to the ugliness of the reality of dealing with abusers and how it is difficult to receive proper help to heal as well as to find justice and peace. In term of story, I was pretty impressed by the choices made by the screenwriter. Pacing could have been a bit better, especially toward the ending.The acting was good overall: especially regarding the two main characters. I would have expected maybe a bit more from the secondary casting who did ok but where in some case it could have been stronger (especially when comparing with what the main leads were providing). Even at the level of the two main male leads, it could have been even stronger but they did a very good job given the raw scenes in which they were acting.
The music is pretty central in a way to the film. It is super interesting to see how poetry, language and then rap and music are used to deal with trauma and as part of the healing process. The filmmaking was great: it had an indie vibe totally fitting the scenario, with some camera mouvements giving an angsty vibe which brought me shivers.
I would recommend this to people looking for a strong psychological story with a thriller / dark side and involving very traumatic events happening to the characters. It is completey gripping and gutwrenching. This film is full of triggers, shocking scenes and very graphic: be mindful and check the tags (or even maybe the spoils if you want to make sure this is a movie you will be able to digest).
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What the hell kind of ending was that!?
I hate going into these dramas with absolutely no warning that the writer/director is going to throw in a complete cliff hanger at the end without even a hint that there will be a continuation. Ironically, the story was not bad, and the acting was pretty convincing. The writing was choppy at best - and there are so many loose ends left hanging that none of the story arcs got tied up or even explained.The ML was fantastic - the FL just meh. The two villains were convincing and good-looking. The FL character's family's story was left hanging. Her mother's story was left hanging.
What a mess! Hopefully anyone who is looking to watch this drama will be forewarned. It's a waste of time since there is no resolution or any kind of wrap up at the end. The only reason I rated this as much as I did was the acting.
Was this review helpful to you?
Boring
I found this drama really boring and uninspiring. Things keep on happening all the time, new drama and new revelations, but theres no substance to them or the reactions that follow because its so constant that it leaves no breathing room for getting to know the characters. I have seen some people praising this aspect of the drama because it cuts out the fluff, but theres really no reason to root for anyone in this drama without the fluff or buildup.Besides that, the acting is just not good. I would say two people, thankfully including the fl, Jung Yoo Min does a good job acting-wise. Almost everyone else either overacts (Its supposed to be dramatic, I know, but it was too much even then) or underacts and speak like they are just straight up reading off the script with 0 conviction.
Overall, not a good watch, would not recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sad but warmth beneath it.
The cinematography is wonderful. Really bleak settings are given depth. The acting is superb with subtle expressions and realistic fight and love scenes. The story is of oppression and so this hangs heavily throughout the film but the emotions of the main characters are very powerful and clear. There is love based on one night but such intense attraction and understanding from a lifetime of similar experiences so it feels like love really is the right word to use. This is a sad, violent but beautiful film.Was this review helpful to you?
I can see why its one of the hottest dramas for 2023
This drama is about the story of a second chance in life. During the start it can be a bit confusing as they only show snippets of what happened in FL’s past life. However as the story develops, you will see how the past affects her decisions for the current life and how she is trying to be good this time round. Not too much romance going around at the beginning though FL has 3 love interests and lots of scheming plots among the villains as the FL tries to survive in the palace. Both FL and MLs played their roles perfectly. For some reason I kind of hoped the FL went with Zhang Zhe though. Kissing scenes were also really intense in the later episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
How to survive a broken marriage ?
PLOT: The FL, ex-elite in studies and professional field, became a housewife after the birth of her daughter. One day she realizes that her husband is cheating on her and has put all their assets in his name. She decides to join forces with the mistress to ensure she has custody of her daughter and gets back what is rightfully hers. She also needs to find a job...PROS:
+ This woman's journey is intelligently written. Lots of divorcees (myself included) can identify with the character.
+ This drama is brought to life by excellent actors. Everyone, including the hateful husband.
+ Very nice sorority between wife and mistress
CONS:
- the narration is quite slow. [Divorce only happens in ep. 26].Okay, it's a long journey and a slow, complex process, but some of the arcs (kidnapping by the grandparents) go on way too long. I would have liked the reconstruction of FL's life to take up more space on the screen.
- the character of the husband (then ex-husband) takes up too much space in this drama. His behavior sometimes lacks subtlety: narcissistic perverts behave with more finesse, even if it is certainly difficult to translate into a series.
- the romance of CL is almost absent: only 1 kiss at the wedding, no hug or skinship = 0 chemistry ლ(ಠ_ಠლ)
=> Series mainly focused on the acceptance of the failure of a marriage, divorce, reconstruction. It's an intelligently written story, but the characters (mature yet also cold and calculating) are not really endearing.
******************************************************************************************
PLOT : La FL, ex-élite dans études et domaine professionnel, est devenue femme au foyer après la naissance de sa fille. Elle s'aperçoit un jour que son mari la trompe et a mis tous les biens à son nom. Elle décide de s'allier à la maîtresse pour s'assurer d'avoir la garde de sa fille & de récupérer ce qui lui revient. Elle doit aussi retrouver un travail...
PROS:
+ Ce parcours de femme est intelligemment écrit. Bcp de divorcées (moi compris) peuvent s'identifier au personnage.
+ Ce drama est mis en vie par d'excellents acteurs. Tous, y compris le mari détestable.
+ Très jolie sismance entre femme et maitresse
CONS:
- la narration est assez lente. [Le divorce n'arrive que dans l'ép. 26].Ok, il s'agit d'un long parcours et d'un processus lent et complexe, mais certains arcs (kidnapping par les grand-parents) durent vraiment trop longtemps. J'aurai aimé que la reconstruction de vie de la FL prenne plus de place à l'écran.
- le personnage du mari (puis ex-mari) prend trop de place dans ce drame. Son comportement manque parfois de subtilité : les pervers narcissiques jouent plus en finesse, même si c'est certainement difficile à traduire dans une série.
- la romance du CL est quasiment absente : 1 seul kiss lors du mariage, pas de hug ni de skinship = 0 chemistry ლ(ಠ_ಠლ)
=> Série surtout centrée sur l'acceptation de l'échec d'un mariage, le divorce, la reconstruction. C'est une histoire intelligemment écrite, mais les personnages, matures (OK) mais froids et calculateurs, ne sont pas vraiment attachants.
Was this review helpful to you?
... anyway
Finally finished this one. Had it on pause because it was just so boring and draggy that I got annoyed. The leads and their chemistry truly carried this drama since it didn’t offer anything interesting plot-wise. Which is why I find it crazy to make each episode 70+ minutes long. A reason why I liked “Business Proposal” so much is that the episodes were all 60 minutes long, there weren’t any unnecessary plots/storylines, and it was interesting. KTL was too long for what it offered, which is why I didn’t enjoy it as much. Sometimes, the secondary characters were annoying, the “antagonist” childish to be honest… like she was beefing at her big age over the hotel… anyway.Also, what was the point of the Arab prince? They used his character as a plot devise to move forward our couple by making him ridiculous. I don’t know why they had to be culturally offensive, the writer could have just made the character some important business man or a politician. Why use stereotypes and mocking an entire ethnicity? That part was just super insensitive and dumb because him being an “Arab prince” didn’t add anything to the plot, it wasn’t important where he came from – he just served as comic relief.
If it wasn’t for Yoon Ah’s and Jun Ho’ chemistry, double speed and the fast-forwarding button, I would have never finished this. It entertained me, made me giggle, and even made me lose a tear or two, but overall, this was disappointing.
Was this review helpful to you?
Perfect drama with lots of interesting plots
BaiLu and zheng linghe both are good looking and great potential to play strong characters. I personally liked BaiLu because she is the one who described her role gracefully. Jiang xiuening who played by BaiLu had so many relationship issues which caused her hell. All of her characters justified very gradually and most importantly her co male artist all of them are so sweet and doing their job greatly. Zhang linghe and BaiLu both have great chemistry which can show off camera.. and yes of course BaiLu always had relationship with her co star so not like they are lovers etc.. I just find them looking great togetherWas this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
Order that shows appear on our lists13 minutes ago -
What was the last anime you completed?19 minutes ago -
What's the last Japanese food you had?19 minutes ago -
BL Drama Lovers Club23 minutes ago -
