Reviews

Could have been great

hated the last few episodes hence the low rating. How tf does a character who talks so much and always has something to say become mute and can’t speak to clarify situations. To say I was pissed off at how Lusi’s character changed in the last few episodes is such an understatement. This chemistry and connection between Chu hua and Shanggan qui que was intense and hot so that’s why I’m left bewildered and baffled at their kiss scenes, it’s was so underwhelming, their lips didn’t even move, I guess I can blame that on the director. Another reason for my low rating. All in all really enjoyed the beginning and hated the ending.

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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS FOR SURE

The drama is pretty simple and family centric and writing too much about it will spoil the fun so I will write some bullet points for this one.
- WELL ACTED: In comedy if actors are not good enough to express the right emotions then all the jokes fall flat pretty easily. All the actors had done a splendid job in the drama. Casting is superb.
-QUIRKY MUSIC: You would not expect such different choice of songs in historical dramas. Songs are really funny especially their lyrics. Suits the tone of comedy genre of the drama for sure.
-HISTORICAL COMEDY: I haven't seen this type of comedy drama in a while. It is very different from all the other shows. Think about all the funny moments actors would go through while shooting for a historical drama. Yup! that is what you will see here.
-FAMILY BOND: Very realistic portrayal of a family despite a comedy show. Everyday struggle, festivities, argument among siblings, mom's scolding, romance, emotional scenes...it has everything.
-ROMANCE: I really liked how they introduced all the male leads. All of them are different but so good with their respected partners that you would enjoy all of their interactions.
-NO BORING MOMENTS: Well it is COMEDY so obviously you won't feel bored even for a second. Even the elders will make you laugh so much. Sibling fights and their mom's constant nagging is really funny throughout the drama. All the misfortunes that male leads go through is really hilarious (I know it sounds wrong but you will get it after watching).
There are some slow scenes but they won't bother you that much.
If you are still hesitating to start this one then I would suggest you to just watch the first episode. You won't be able to stop after that :)

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An Unsettling Balance: Review of The Uncanny Counter Season 2

The Uncanny Counter Season 2 takes a leap from its predecessor, attempting to elevate its characters and storyline to new heights. While Season 1 laid the foundation for an intriguing narrative, Season 2 falls short of replicating its success in terms of character depth and balance.

One of the standout elements of Season 2 is undoubtedly the exceptional acting prowess of Kim Se-jeong and Cho Byeong Kyu, who carry the weight of the show with their compelling performances. They breathe life into their characters, infusing the narrative with a depth that is sometimes lacking elsewhere. Unfortunately, this season fails to effectively utilize the ensemble cast, leaving many characters feeling lackluster and underdeveloped.

The introduction of Na Jeok Bong, a character added to the mix, leaves much to be desired. Regrettably, Na Jeok Bong's inclusion disrupts the fantastic family dynamic that was a highlight of Season 1. The attempt at humor falls flat and feels forced, ultimately detracting from the overall viewing experience. It's a puzzling choice that does more harm than good.

Despite these shortcomings, the storyline in Season 2 shows promise by delving into side plots that help develop the characters further. The exploration of each character's background and personal struggles adds a layer of complexity to the overall narrative. The semi-villain character of Ma Ju Seok injects an intriguing element into the plot, preventing the show from becoming overly cliché.

In summary, The Uncanny Counter Season 2 does have its merits, notably the improved storyline and the compelling performances by Kim Se-jeong and Cho Byeong Kyu. However, the glaring issues with character development and the ill-fated addition of Na Jeok Bong hinder the overall quality of the season. Here's hoping for a more balanced and engaging experience in future seasons, as the series continues to evolve.

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A Thrilling Action-Packed Adventure: The Uncanny Counter Season 1

The Uncanny Counter Season 1 is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster that packs a powerful punch with its captivating action plot. The high-octane action scenes keep viewers on the edge of their seats and delivering an exhilarating experience from start to finish.

One of the shining aspects of the series is undoubtedly the outstanding performances by the lead actors, So Moon and Do Ha Na. Both actors portrayed their roles with exceptional talent and conviction, bringing a level of depth and relatability to their characters that truly resonated with the audience. Their chemistry on screen was undeniable, adding a layer of authenticity to the story and making the viewing experience all the more enjoyable.

So Moon, in particular, stole the show with his endearing and infectiously enthusiastic personality. The "golden retriever" energy he exuded during his high school days in Season 1 was simply irresistible. His character brought a refreshing and charming dynamic to the storyline, and the actor's portrayal of So Moon's growth and transformation was nothing short of brilliant.

While the lead actors shone brightly, some of the supporting cast felt a bit typical and lackluster in comparison. However, the strong chemistry and family dynamic displayed within the story more than made up for it. The relationships and interactions among the characters were heartwarming and added a layer of depth to the narrative.

The exploration of the family dynamic was a standout aspect of the series. The way the show delved into the bonds and connections between the characters, especially within the family unit, added emotional depth and enriched the overall narrative. It made the viewers invest not only in the action and supernatural elements but also in the personal lives and struggles of the characters.

In conclusion, The Uncanny Counter Season 1 is a pulse-pounding adventure that delivers exceptional action sequences, engaging characters, and a heartwarming family dynamic. So Moon and Do Ha Na's stellar performances, combined with the thrilling action plot and the relatable family elements, make this series a must-watch. For fans of action-packed dramas with a touch of heart, The Uncanny Counter Season 1 offers a compelling and entertaining viewing experience that leaves a lasting impression.

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A Soul-Stirring Journey: Alchemy of Souls Season 1

Alchemy of Souls Season 1 is an enthralling masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together great acting, a solid plot, and exceptionally crafted characters. This Korean drama offers an engaging narrative that beautifully combines a slightly cliche heroism theme with the alluring concept of soul shifting, elevating the viewing experience to a whole new level.

First and foremost, the acting in Alchemy of Souls is absolutely outstanding. The entire cast delivers performances that are nothing short of exceptional. Each actor fully embodies their character, bringing depth and authenticity to the roles they portray. It's evident that the cast poured their hearts and souls into their performances, making every scene captivating and emotionally resonant.

One of the standout characters is Natsu, whose portrayal by the talented actor is both nuanced and compelling. Natsu's cold and distant personality adds a layer of complexity to the character, making his journey and growth throughout the series all the more captivating to watch. The development of his character is thoroughly believable, and his interactions with other characters add depth to the overall storyline.

Equally remarkable is Jung Uk, whose character is meticulously crafted and brilliantly portrayed. The complexities of Jung Uk's character, combined with the actor's skillful performance, make for a riveting viewing experience. Jung Uk's internal struggles and moral dilemmas are brought to life in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, invested in his character arc.

Although the plot may embrace some familiar elements of heroism, the incorporation of soul shifting introduces a unique and refreshing dimension to the story. The exploration of this concept adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, allowing for unexpected plot twists and a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and challenges.

The romance in Alchemy of Souls is masterfully executed, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and the colder, more reserved aspects of Natsu's personality. This dynamic creates a compelling and authentic portrayal of a love story, showcasing the growth and vulnerability of both characters. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, enhancing the emotional impact of their journey.

In conclusion, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 is a triumph in storytelling and acting, seamlessly blending a solid plot, well-developed characters, and a touch of cliche heroism with the fascinating concept of soul shifting. The exceptional performances, particularly by Natsu and Jung Uk, elevate the drama to extraordinary heights. With its compelling romance and depth of character exploration, this drama is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone seeking a captivating and immersive viewing experience.

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"As if the Earth has been turned upside down"

In Shindo Kaneto's Onibaba, the viewer is left wondering who is the demon? In a time of war between two emperors, the poorly armed peasants pressed into military service suffered as well as the women, children, and elderly left to face violence and starvation at home. During this time a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law took drastic measures in order to survive.

As the women were not given names, I'll address them as MIL and DIL. Isolated near a swampy pond surrounded by tall grasses the women have made the terrible decision to murder lost or injured samurai and sell their armor and weaponry for food. They dump the bodies in a deep dry well within the sea of grass. One evening a neighbor returns after deserting the second army he was forced into. He claims that he escaped when farmers killed MIL's son. He was given a name, Hachi, but since the women have no names I'll identify him by HD (Horny Dude). HD has fallen as badly as the women for he showed up in the clothes he'd killed a priest for. HD desires DIL and slowly she gives into her sexual appetite and begins meeting him at night after MIL falls asleep. MIL tells him to stay away from DIL until they are able to harvest a crop. She can't murder samurai by herself and without DIL, she'll starve. HD tell her that he will just stay "friends" with DIL until then. When DIL is at HD's hut having a friendly mingling, a lost samurai general appears at the women's hut and orders MIL to guide him out of the grasses. He wears a demonic mask which he says is to protect his handsome face from being marred in battle. MIL tricks him into falling into the death hole and then climbs down to retrieve his gear and the mask. The mask, however, is adhered to his face and when she finally pries it off, she sees his grossly disfigured countenance. MIL tells DIL stories at night about hell and demons and the punishment for unmarried people who give into their lust. Wearing the mask, she terrifies DIL in the tall grass as the young woman is sneaking to HD's hut at night. After wearing the mask during a rain storm MIL discovers the gruesome curse for herself.

Onibaba wasn't a horror movie in the classic sense. It felt more like an episode of the Twilight Zone where karma played a trick on someone daring to taunt forces beyond their control. The tall grass acted as a fourth main character, waving and creaking haunting howls in the wind. Like predators slinking through them, the women pounced on the unaware unseen. HD and DIL has sexual trysts hiding in the reedy arms as well. Fair warning there was nudity in numerous scenes.

Onibaba explored how society and morality breakdown in the face of starvation and death. Murder and stealing no longer seemed wrong. Hunger for food and sex became overriding desires. While MIL had almost masklike features of exaggerated eyebrows, extreme makeup and Bride of Frankenstein hair coloring all before wearing the mask, the other characters behaved as immorally. Lust was the least of their sins. Ironically, the women never seemed to grasp that the man they had hoped to come home had fallen prey to civilians just like themselves trying to survive. Prolonged war leaves a society and its rules in tatters, making demons of many without the need to physically transform. But weren't the greater demons the ones who started the wars in their insatiable need for more power and voracious greed for more wealth?

10/2/23

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How Nevertheless Failed Its Audience

"Nevertheless" is a Korean drama that bravely delves into the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the toxic dynamics that can be prevalent, especially among young adults. The series is unequivocally for a mature audience due to its mature themes and depiction of toxic relationships.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is its unflinching portrayal of toxic relationships. The narrative exposes the audience to the often-damaging dynamics that can exist in modern dating, providing a raw and unapologetic exploration of manipulation, possessiveness, and emotional turmoil. It does not shy away from showing how individuals can be ensnared in unhealthy relationships, challenging societal norms.

The symbolism of butterflies throughout the series is notable, representing transformation, growth, and freedom. The delicate yet transformative nature of butterflies mirrors the journey of the main characters, highlighting their evolution throughout the series. It's a poetic and powerful symbol that adds depth and symbolism to the narrative, underscoring the theme of personal growth amidst tumultuous relationships.

"Nevertheless" also drew attention with its choice of soundtrack, featuring "Butterfly" by J.una. The song encapsulates the spirit of transformation, echoing the themes of the drama, and seamlessly intertwines with the symbolism of butterflies within the storyline.

However, where the series falters significantly is in its ending. The disappointment lies in the departure from the growth trajectory of the female lead depicted in the webtoon. Fans of the original work were invested in seeing the female lead break free from the shackles of toxicity and find her own path. Sadly, the adaptation deviates from this hopeful and empowering journey, choosing a more disheartening route that has left many fans feeling let down and frustrated.

The decision to have the female lead return to a toxic relationship sends a disconcerting message about self-worth and the importance of healthy boundaries. It leaves the audience questioning whether the characters truly learned and grew from their experiences, ultimately failing to provide the closure and character development that viewers were hoping for.

In conclusion, "Nevertheless" is an intense exploration of toxic relationships, providing a realistic glimpse into the trials and tribulations of modern romance. The symbolism of butterflies and the song "Butterfly" are noteworthy elements that add depth to the storytelling. However, the series falls short in delivering a satisfying ending, deviating from the empowering journey depicted in the original webtoon and leaving a lingering sense of disappointment among its audience.

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Love Alarm: A Technologically-Charged Love Triangle

"Love Alarm" is a South Korean drama that captivates audiences with its unique premise, exploring the intricacies of love and technology through the lens of a digital app that signals romantic interest. The series comprises two seasons, each delving into the lives of its characters and their complex relationships.

One of the standout aspects of "Love Alarm" is its characters' compelling backstories, especially the main characters. Kim Jo-jo, the female lead, portrayed by Kim So-hyun, carries a history marred by tragedy and heartbreak, adding depth to her character and explaining her cautious approach to love. Similarly, Sun-oh (Song Kang) and Hye-yeong (Jung Ga-ram), the two male leads, have well-developed backstories that shed light on their personalities and motivations. While their backstories are well developed when it comes to their characteristics they are simply unrealistic. Whether it was the poor acting or direction/script or a mix of both none of the characters are likeable.

Season 1 introduces viewers to the innovative Love Alarm app, which rings to notify users when someone nearby harbors romantic feelings for them. This sets the stage for a love triangle between Jo-jo, Sun-oh, and Hye-yeong. The plot, while cliche, is tinged with an unrealistic portrayal of the impact of technology on relationships. The notion that an app can dictate love and attraction oversimplifies the complexities of human emotions, making the characters' actions and reactions feel contrived. The initial start of the love triangle with the first relationship between Suh-oh and Jo-jo starts of unrealistically and is rather toxic as Suh-oh was aware of Hey-yeong's feelings. While toxic, there were definitely cute puppy love moments between the two which really showed the two actors chemistry.

In Season 2, the love triangle further intensifies as the characters navigate the consequences of their choices. Despite the intriguing premise, the plot tends to lean towards predictability, following the conventional trajectory of a love triangle. The lack of nuance and exploration of alternative relationship dynamics leaves the audience desiring more depth and complexity in the storytelling.

Moreover, character development, takes a back seat in Season 2. The relationship between Jo-jo and Hye-yeong feels rather forced and lacks true chemistry compared to her and Suh-oh in Season 1. This ruins the overall dynamics of the love triangle and may leave some viewers dissatisfied with the resolution.

In summary, "Love Alarm" presents a fascinating concept of love intersecting with technology through an attention-grabbing app. While the main characters have rich backstories that add depth to the narrative they are lacking in actual characteristics, the portrayal of their interactions and the overall plot tends to oversimplify the complexities of human relationships. The series is a disappointing watch, particularly for those who enjoyed the webtoon or love watching webtoon-based dramas.

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Not a fan of the story line

There is no chemistry between the two main leads - Zhu Yan and Shi Ying. None.

I don't think that this role is perfect for Xiao Zhan. He has such an expressive personality and face; this wooden, stiff character doesn't fit him. I can name at least three actors off the top of my head who could have looked better in this role.

On the whole, I loved each actor and I loved their acting despite the fact that not everyone fitted their role perfectly. But I also think that different casting (for some characters), better editing, and more importantly - different screenwriter could have done wonders to improve the drama.

There are a lot of drawn out episodes (insanely long fights, for example) that do nothing for the story. Lots of flash-backs that are so repetitive, it's easy to get bored. Dialogs go in circles in times and that made me fast forward quite a bit.

And then - of course - the ending. I am not sure why the person in charge thought it was wise to deviate from the novel. The characters were put through hell, I think if anything they deserve a happy ending that the author thought was perfect for them.

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Intriguing storyline, superb acting

Finally I feel so ecstatic having watched the entire series.
The storyline is captivating even though its filled with scheming, politics and bloodmath at every step. As the storyline navigates through, such intense scenes, it's the little moments between the two charming leads that lightens up the screen .
The chemistry between the leads yang yang and zhao lu is is simply irresistible and as someone mentioned i can't possibly think if anyone else portraying the roles of bai he fengxi better than them .
The costumes, action scenes and background are just spot on.
Definitely a delectable watch as they rule our heart!

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Hard hitting drama that punches above its weight

The start of the show is impactful and really hits you in the feels. There are so much latent angst and comments on our value system. Does winner really take it all?

This show is not for the faint of heart. There are angst and pain on multiple levels, both physical and psychological. It impacts on an individual as well as societal level when it broadens to involves organised crime.

There is a hint of Itaewon Class in this show even though the core subjects are quite different. The David vs Goliath battle is all too real. I must give credit to k-dramas for their ability to make this type of impactful drama without padding it out with meaningless tripes.

This is not an idle boast as acting, writing and direction are all top-notch. Key actors put up wonderful performances. These are demanding roles. Most of them are flawed, damaged, and hurting. The direction is great. It is effective both for the pensive scenes as well as the action scenes. This is rounded out by a script full of textures and nuances. The show’s main theme of healing is universal though. It is not hard for this drama to resonate with its audiences.

To emphasize this point, the show is full of confrontations. Both in and out of the boxing ring. There are lots of metaphors and life lessons to work through as we peel back the layers. Of course, it would be a rare k-drama to do without any romance, and this is no exception. There are several, both past and present but the one between our leads is the most poignant.

While the pacing overall is good and lively, it does slow in the last quarter. The earlier build up to the big fight seem to deflate the closer it got to the actual event. This is to be expected as the show must shift focus to address the match fixing plot. However, the resolution offered feels superficial. Consider the ML is a hapless victim for the bulk of the show, his one-man crusade completely turns the tide and supplants police investigations. It is too fantastic to be believable. Of course, that is not the end of this sorry saga. This is when the show goes all in for the impactful and explosive finale. To say the show hits you in the feels would be like calling Ali just a bruiser.

I really don’t want to spoil the last episode, so I’ll just say go watch it. However, the actual last few minutes feels a bit disjointed. It is as if the ending was changed due to reactions after test screening. Watch it and see if you agree with me and my friend, Love movies. ;)

It is only 12 eps long and it is more than worth your time. Acting, production and OST are all a cut above. Rewatch is possible but I think a highlight reel will be more palatable for me as I need to watch my blood pressure.

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Show had great moments but it was all over the place

The acting was on point. However the story was disjointed. Maybe because there were 3 writers and 2 directors, but it felt they didn’t have a clear picture of what they wanted their story to be. Is it comedy drama, is it suspense thriller or fantasy, they tried to include all but it didn’t transition well. It didn’t help they killed off Suho, the most interesting character in the show.

Additionally, they started some back stories with characters, but instead of finishing a clear concise story for each, once they were killed off it wasn’t brought up again.

The overall idea and concept of this story was brilliant, it just needed consistency throughout. Also, don’t make a character you plan to kill off the most likable one in your show.

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I LOVED THIS DRAMA

I really loved this drama. I confess that I didn't give anything to this drama, because i saw a lot of people saying that the script was very "superficial". However, I decided to watch it anyway and I was surprised. Drama is very funny and cheers you up in sad moments. The mystery surrounding the killer made me theorize and distrust most of the characters.I really liked the plot.Overall, I was very satisfied and will definitely rewatch it. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that one of the genres is romantic comedy. But there's nothing about romance, I was hoping the protagonists would get together but nothing happened.The only bad point is this but it wasn't something that ruined the Drama,

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A really intimate and beautiful slice of life

Before you start watching this you MUST know that is a real slowburn, if you are not a fan, than you'll probably be bored. But also I, particularly, am not a fan of slowburn but this one just sits so right.

The best thing about "My 12%" , in my opinion, is the Coming of Age and Slice of Life aspect of it, you see Eiw and Cake grow and how this growth changes their really strong, deep and also pure friendship, one that I may say, is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen in this kind of genre. Their relationship make this drama feel so warm and intimate that is really hard for you to not get involved.

Earth and Santa just went above and beyond with their acting and chemistry. I could read in their foreheads what Eiw and Cake were feeling, and this is really powerful. Even if for a lot of people Eiw was somewhat annoying for the amount of crying, I didn't see as something really out of place, Earth had so many moving, touching and powerful scenes and he really delivered then very well. Santa also did a beautiful job portraying Cake (the bed scene destroyed me and it's mostly his fault).

I didn't bother with the confusing time and the scenario details being out of the timeline (like the fleabag poster), but one of the things that I call a downside for the drama (that made it not be a 10 / 10 for me) is the plot on the last 2 episodes. The 13th episode wasn't even that bad, but the 14th was just a stretch of it and I got bored. I felt it was a little bit out of placed, and disconnected with the main story and plotline. "My 12%" should've been only 12 episodes, with a good wrapping, like we saw in the last minutes of episode 14. The other one was the bad writing on Eiw's confession scene, Cake's lines could have been way better then what they were, but it didn't made me hate the scene, however made it not be as good as it could been.

In the end, this drama made me feel A LOT and I loved watching their chemistry and intensity on screen, Eiw and Cake are one of my favorite BL couples, not gonna lie...

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A sweet continuation for many of the stories.

The series was a lot of fun each taking it's moment to add some nice stories and development. Loved seeing all the great characters again, especially ones that we missed. Let me brake it down.
Story 1) Never let me go was a joy to watch, I love there chemistry and was a nice touch and change of pace to see them in a different time period and develop from that story was fun and lighthearted.
Story 2) Star in my Mind was another joy to watch, they have great chemistry and showed some good romantic side with there sweet friends. I could have done without the Typhoon side story about him and a girl, would have been nicer if the gave him a new guy instead.
Story 3) The eclipse was a fun story to see develop, show the problem that at times couples face in relationship, but show by standing by each other and see a new viewpoint things can work out. Very nicely pt together.
Story 4) Vice Versa was a favorite of mine as the have great chemistry and are always fun to watch. Love how they show them still growing and showing the different sides of love and to aways make everyday count. I especially love seeing them take care of the sweet boy. Give a feeling of love of family.
Story 5) My school President was so much fun. I enjoyed seeing the cast come together and feel that fun loving energy they give. This was a great story to see the characters change places and see new was of seeing how each how have played it. Wish it was longer as the chemistry is great with the cast. Seeing some of the side characters switch places was so funny and a great way to show the actors.
Story 6) A Boss and A Babe was full of laughter and fluff. It's super lighthearted and takes you once again on showing other sides of the characters. Having the leads switch roles to really show how boss and intern both have it hard in different ways, walking in each other's shoes literally. It had a smiling at moments to see both reactions to seeing how no one has it easy.
Story 7) Bad Buddies, I know the combined this and story 8 together, which I really wish they had not. Sadly I am not a fan of Bad Buddies and did not enjoy the actors together. This always felt more like bromance then boy love. It was a nice story for them to travel and show them in a new adventure, but it felt stale and did not work. Just looked like friends on a camp trip. This was for me the only story I did not like out of the whole series.
Story 8) A tale of thousand Stars was one of my favorite BL it is so great, would have loved a second season. The leads have great chemistry and makes you always adore them. I loved seeing the development and story unfold between them yet again. I hate that they shared to story with he cast of Bad Buddies but the very last episode stole the show for me. It gave us the ending we always wanted to see happen. I wish a few more of the old cast came back as well. I absolutely loved this episode for them, was such a great way to end it, the only down part was it made me want to see them more and wish for more of there story.

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