Completed
Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Short Answer to "Should you watch it?"

I see why people are saying season 1 was better and all but season 1 was the prequel for a reason, and season 2 the is part for which they wanted to create for a happy ending which made sense instead or rushing it in the first season. I would say this season was quite fitting as a sequel to the masterpiece which was the first season. Definitely a good watch!

I think this was nice form the writers as I would rather they have this season then not and leave the watchers in the dark or even worse make a rushed version in the first season.

As far as my opinion matters I would say its a good watch if you wanna see the great ending the writers concocted. This season was not made to be watched on its own but to be a sequel to the previous one and in that aspect it hit the mark.

Slight heads up! The re-watch rating is not accurate as I personally don't re-watch any shows again so its just done for the sake of the rating so I've given it a fair rating.

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Completed
Fake It Till You Make It
75 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 17
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

A Love Letter to a Mature, Sexy, Communicative Romance with sizzling Chemistry

“Fake It Till You Make It” is not a drama for everyone. But if you are looking for something specific like I did, you might enjoy it very much. I found what I want - a mature romance about two smart individuals who give me realistic, honest and sincere conversations + sexy chemistry. A drama that is not full of romantic cliches and tropes, not a silly rom-com nor a sad and angsty drama. Because of this, I am giving this a very subjective and high rating of 9.0.

A few quick notes about this drama:

1. There’s a lot of business talk - about 50% business, 50% romance. If this is not your thing, you might want to reconsider watching.
2. This is not really a plot-driven drama. The business plot serves as a way for our main leads to grow personally and professionally.
3. Very dialog heavy - The beauty of this drama is the witty and thoughtful conversations.
4. Try not to fast-forward - you will miss the dialogs and get you out of the mood. Try not to do that with the business plot either, as you will be even more confused.


I LOVE the romance of the leads. Simple as that. Elvis (ML) is a likable and hard-to-resist playboy who's afraid of commitment or opening up. Tang Ying (FL) is a career-focused, hard-working lawyer who is afraid to get hurt after a failed love confession many years ago. They are on equal footing and power dynamics in this relationship. The two of them met as strangers on the plane, slowly becoming best friends and then lovers.

When as strangers, Elvis and Tan Yang seem to be total opposites but chemistry between them is evident. When they become best friends, they seem to be the perfect match in heaven. Their honest conversations of love and the constant flirting are the best part of the show. Even if it’s a few quick text messages, you can feel the chemistry. You root for them and want them to be together ASAP, yet I also worry about the loss in chemistry and excitement when they are together. We all know how dramas go when the couple becomes boring afterwards. Who knew our cool playboy will become a doting boyfriend who can act silly and cute? There are a few cute and fluffy scenes, though not much. The kisses are good but not as great as I want them to be (Elvira maybe is a little more shy than Elvis). We continue to have conversations to deal with potential misunderstandings once they are a couple. We learn that they might not be as perfect together as they seem when they were flirting. Their upbringing and ideals of being a couple brought them unease and discomfort, but they talk things through! They continue to have these honest conversations, some more emotional and heartfelt than the others. They continue to get to know each other, and learn to love each other for who they are and to live as a couple and not as individuals anymore.

On the other side of the romance spectrum, we also follow the journey of Lin Xin Zi (Tang Ying’s half sister). She has a completely different view on romance and marriage. She has her own internal rating system for her suitors and picking the best one to consider for dating and marriage. We all know how that will work out. I personally don’t think Lin Xin Zi is that attractive as a character, so I don’t know why all the guys fall in love with her. Her story, though predictable, is also relatable and realistic. Her way of thinking is probably very similar to many women in mainland China.

Enough of the romance, but what does it mean to “Fake It Till You Make It”? In this drama, all characters at some point have to mask their true intentions and feelings, and express themselves differently. You could be, 1) Having afternoon tea with a bunch of rich ladies and act like you have the richest and loveliest husband in the world who will buy you expensive purses, 2) Pretend you are a tea expert to impress your customer by studying info the night before, 3) Swallow your complaints and hate for your abusive boss and smile/nod to the insults thrown at your face, 4) Act like you are totally fine with your controlling boyfriend because you know he does everything out of love. They just need to tell themselves they are fine and believe that they will be fine.

The acting is on point. This is my first dramas of both Elvis Han and Elvira Cai and they do not disappoint. If you end up not liking this drama, at least you can enjoy the sexy and handsome Elvis Han. LOL. I do want to commend Dai Yun Fai, who played Lin Xin Zi’s boyfriend. I have seen Dai Yun Fan in many dramas, usually as a supporting character. I am so impressed with his emotional acting. He has a very small part in this drama but the last scene when he was on the bridge/overpass expressing his regrets was SO well-acted. I am also very satisfied with the end of his story. The overall acting is really good. There isn't a character that irritates or annoys me.

If you are like me and are looking for what I am looking for, then I strongly recommend this drama. I do think the drama started a little slow and you might be confused with the business side of things. It could also appear to be a little preachy, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with an amazing romantic journey between two flawed but realistic characters and excellent chemistry



Other Random Observations:
1. Elvis Han is just so charismatic and sexy, without the boyish look. I love the scenes when he was waiting by his car at the end of the night, and when he was reading a story by the bathtub. He has such a deep voice and his reading to FL is just so darn sexy.
2. I love FL’s phone conversation with ML about those heart-fluttering moments. It killed me in a good way!
3. Love the dynamic between the sisters. So natural.
4. Really smart to name all the women you are dating with the same nickname in your cell phone contact list. You don’t have to worry about calling out someone’s name wrong when you are drunk. LOL
5. Naming these women as fruits is hilarious as well.
6. Another good female mentor! They are hard to come by.
7. Natural looks for all! No white makeup, white filter or smoothing of skin!
8. Almost forgot, I love the comic book opening theme!



Completed: 9/4/2023 - Review #349


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Sep 4, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I can do it!!

This is my first time writing a review for a KDrama, but I love this series so much I'll write one for it.
The review will be pretty short cause I know most of y'all hate reading long reviews.

First off, the show is fantastic. I love the Counter Family and if they ever do have a season 3, I will definitely watch it. The new cast members are excellent too, and you know that it's a good cast if the characters they play make you want to punch em in the face. None of the episodes were boring imo, and the ending wrapped it up neatly, but it also had a possibility for another season if you get what I mean.

I love how they said, "I can do it!" Maybe it was a bit cheesy at some parts, but I just love how they encourage each other in the show.
All in all, I think that season 1 is still better than season 2, but not by a whole lot. They're pretty close in terms of entertainment and I will forever cherish this show. Solid 10/10, same with the other season. I'll miss the Counter Family and I hope that we can see them again soon. i can do it!! :p

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Completed
Love You Seven Times
2 people found this review helpful
by lau
Sep 4, 2023
38 of 38 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Pairing is the best thing, but hey, it's a romance story at the end of the day

To me, Love You Seven Times never aspired to claim the title of the best drama of the year. It didn't set overly high expectations, yet it managed to provide an enjoyable and satisfying piece of entertainment.

I've noticed that many readers of the novel were left disappointed with the adaptation. While I believe the novel might offer a more finely crafted story, I haven't read it, which could explain why my assessment isn't as harsh.

Let's begin with what garnered the most discussion about this drama: the acting. Ding Yuxi undeniably delivered an outstanding performance. He immersed himself in his character, breathing life into it in an admirable manner. It's fascinating how, across different lifetimes, he portrayed subtle distinctions while maintaining consistency in his character. His portrayal was both concise and brilliant.

On the other hand, Yang Chaoyue's acting didn't reach the same level. While some viewers disliked her portrayal, I found it to be passable. She's neither a standout actress nor a terrible one, just somewhere in the middle. The issue may have been that she was placed alongside an exceptional actor, making her shortcomings more noticeable.

Despite the imbalance between the leads, I wouldn't trade their pairing. Their on-screen and off-screen chemistry is one of the drama's highlights, convincingly portraying them as a loving couple.

One aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the visual aesthetics. This drama boasts some of the finest costume and scenery designs I've seen in a while. They fully capitalized on the opportunities presented by the Xianxia genre, resulting in a stunning production, from the celestial Heavenly Realm to the vibrant Mortal Realm and captivating Demon Realm. All three were a feast for the eyes. Additionally, the soundtrack was delightful.

The comedic moments were numerous and highly entertaining, with Yang Chaoyue shining brightest in these scenes.

The theme of multiple lives and the unwavering choice of each other in each one resonated with me as a sucker for romance, providing a satisfying narrative arc. The way these various lives intricately wove together and explained events as they unfolded was enjoyable. The one exception was the princess/general storyline, which felt rushed and out of place. I couldn't even form an attachment to that setting before the characters returned to the Heavenly Realm.

The third life and the Demon Realm arcs were the highlights. They both offered many elements that I found highly enjoyable.

The heartwarming relationships between Chu Kong, Xiangyun, Qian Mou, and Qian Ren, especially the latter two and their amusing yet endearing friendship, were satisfying to witness. However, I felt that the development of an equally strong friendship between Zihui and Jin Lian was lacking, leaving me expecting a rekindling of their bond that never materialized.

Turning to the aspects I didn't appreciate, I must mention the rushed romance. While I loved the leads' relationship, their sudden intense love for each other caught me off guard. It felt abrupt, almost as if I had skipped an episode and missed a crucial development between them.

The villain and overall conflict in the story were lacking depth and intrigue. It's challenging to pinpoint specific shortcomings because they simply failed to engage or offer anything novel or captivating.

Xiu Ming's character was particularly bad. I found him more detestable than the main villain and was genuinely disappointed when he received redemption at the end. His initial annoyance persisted, and he largely remained inconsequential during the middle parts until his sudden return to aid the leads.

The ending left much to be desired. I've grown weary of one of the main characters dying only to miraculously return in the final moments without any explanation of how, why, or when they managed to rise from the dead. While I understand that this may sometimes be a workaround to censorship, it's disheartening that the writers couldn't devise a more innovative solution to this recurring issue.

In conclusion, Love You Seven Times is worth watching. It may not become your favorite piece of media or a life-altering experience, but if you're seeking an enjoyable Xianxia romance, it's a solid choice.

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Completed
Stay by My Side
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

A light romantic comedy

Watching this was a bit like eating fairy floss - similar to what you've eaten as a kid a long time ago and tempting to try again but only in a small amount (only 10 episodes - good choice, guys) because after being reminded of the familiar flavour, it's time to smile, give thanks, and move on to something more substantial.

The music is nice, the photography good, and the sound goes a little awry at the end but otherwise, it's a technically good production.

Hong Wei Che plays goofy well and Yang I Hsuan plays a straight serious face like an Okame mask. The two actors look to have fun with each other although neither appears to be experienced in the kissing department, which in any event, suits their characters.

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Completed
Circle of Love
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

Storyline was so bizarre.

I had such high hopes for this series but it just continued to disappoint. The storyline was so rushed and there was so much mess to it, probably because of the mini episodes. But they tried to push so much into 4 hours. How does someone lose their memories so many times and still end up clueless? I swear Chinese dramas always need the fl to be disloyal and run to the bad guy every time or they think it's missing something. Every Time! This story was dumb to me and the good acting of the mains would have saved it but they never got a chance. The ending was dumb too. How did 4+ hours of actual storyline take me 3 days to watch because there was nothing there to keep going back for. Wasted my darn time.

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Completed
Naughty Babe
8 people found this review helpful
by _Miral
Sep 4, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Naughty Babe Reaction/Review!

I really like the opening scene! I like how it is animated. It sort of gives off the feeling that it is from a novel and coming to life
#NaughtyBabeEP1
amazed by the productions and the acting improve for MaxNat
The way you can see the fear in Yi's eyes as he was searching for Diao and how he just looked so afraid when he released Diao's clothes were all gone. Max did amazing! This was perfect! acting the emotional in this moment his afraid, his eyes ,his hand shake its was amazing to see all over this details.
The whole flashback is so important to know where Diao came from and why he chose to leave. Honestly, my heart was breaking so much for him The way Diao had lost hope in their relationship the look was on his face this emotional arrived to me without any more talk its was enough what we see to understand how much this broken .
My heart was breaking so bad for Kon Diao. Nat did an amazing job in the airport scs and in the hospital scs thats was perfect and so high acting skills from nat.
over all in between this scs its was between the romantic scs between hia yi and nong daio was over sweet and comic in same time .. the other scs was between the over controlling and between comedy things by the way and it is was so good for max because its his comfort ground , the accident scs was amazing one the production really great and was high silks target over the exceptions even ..
waiting for the next eps .. this series start strong so excites for the coming episodes

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Completed
The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch
5 people found this review helpful
by Royal
Sep 4, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

*ANGELS* AND THE EVIL SPIRITS??

Alright,this is super duper drama with great story line and amazing actors.

First of all,the story is actually great considering they were able to follow up with the first season perfectly,you won't miss anything.

Secondly,since it's the same casts from season 1, everything flows naturally.

Well,for action lovers like me,you can go ahead and watch it,you won't be bored.
It's rare to see Kdramas with so much action scenes.

From the first season to this one,every moment was worth it, I've personally enjoyed every moment of it.

it's 8.5 overall for me!!!.

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My Dearest
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

A romantic story like no other

Honestly, I don’t even know how to begin this review. Considering this drama is divided in 2 parts, it is quite hard for me to judge only the first half of such a beautiful and angsty drama. BUT I think it deserves all the love it is getting and I really hope that the rumors surrounding the ending of part 1 will not deter other viewers to at least try watching it.

!!!!!! SPOILERS INCOMING BEWARE !!!!!! Not even a proper review, more of an “essay” regarding episode 10 lol

Of course, I understand why many were confused and disappointed about the ending (for a moment I was too) but like I said before, it is only the first half of a story with 10 more episodes airing in October and the love story between the FL and the ML isn’t finished at all, I would even say that it didn’t fully begin yet. I feel like the character growth of the FL will be even more obvious in part 2, moreover considering the fact that the FL at the beginning of part 1 and at its ending is no longer the same person already. Of course, she has flaws and it shows but the ML isn’t perfect either! I think they both have their rights and their wrongs in the events following the ML departure to follow the Crown Prince.

I don’t exactly know how much time passed between his departure and his return but how is a young girl, who became against her wishes the new head of the family, supposed to take care of a bunch of people on her own? Even so, she clearly said many times to the general that she couldn’t and wouldn’t love him like he did. She even thought, like all of them, that the ML was dead! But then, he returned, and she wavered of course, because it was very tempting to leave all her responsibilities behind and follow the man of her dreams (literally!). Unfortunately (or fortunately), this story isn’t all about the lovey-dovey stuff, they are living in times of war, with famine and violence knocking at their door nearly each day, so it was perfectly rational of her to choose to stay with her family and friends.

I also saw some comments saying that her letter toward the ML was awful but I believe that it was a brave choice coming from her: she told him that she didn’t love him enough to follow him, but it was the perfect trick to make him “forget” about her, and to live on with his life, completely devoid of regrets or sadness. They will meet again for sure, but for now, this is the ending of this uncertain relationship, in which neither is fully committed to the other, because there are more urgent matters that need to be dealt with first (like the war for the ML and the need to protect one’s family for the FL).

It's not a good look for me but, watching the final episode, I was ready to throw hands with the FL for seemingly toying with the ML’s feelings like that. Then, after calming down a little and doing a serious introspection, I couldn’t stay mad at the FL, because despite her somewhat childish and harsh character, she still risked her life many times to protect her family, all alone at that! And to throw this fact away just to follow a man she doesn’t know very well (even the viewers don’t have a clue about his past, how is she supposed to know that he is 100% truthful?) it would have been very stupid (in my opinion).

On the other hand, I don’t have much to say about the ML, he is perfectly dreamy and his lines always make my heart melt like snow under the sun, but he’s still a total mystery for now, and I really hope his past life will be addressed correctly in part 2. The appearance of a potential “SFL” made me worry for a little bit, I can’t lie, but honestly, I don’t think the ML have any space in his heart left for a woman other than the FL. I could be wrong, but considering the very beginning of episode 1 when he’s surrounded by soldiers on the beach, he clearly loves her still. Now, will it have a happy ending or a sad one…? I want to believe some theories about them living happily even after but my brain is already telling me to wake up and already prepare for the worst lol.

The only downside about this first part is the weird editing, making it hard to follow the story and its specific timeline. For example, during episode 10, the FL and ML meet a few times during her wedding’s preparations, but for me it felt like they met 3-4 times during the same night, even if logically, it would make more sense if it all happened during the course of a week or so. Also, the editing isn’t very well done during some scenes: hands aren’t positioned the same in different angles, the same motion is repeated at different angles, and sometimes little “zooms” are added in, which made me quite confused. Maybe part 2 will be better in this aspect. So yeah, that’s all for me guys!! I will certainly watch part 1 again before part 2 airs, and maybe I will add some other thoughts in this “review”.

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Completed
Rainless Love in a Godless Land
5 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

Rainless Love in a Godless Land was an ambitious Taiwanese drama that wove together romance, Amis myths, and mind-bending thoughts on truth and reality, memory and emotion. On top of all that the drama brought home humans' responsibility for the blessings of the Earth and our place in stewardship of the environment.

*No big spoilers*

"The end of the world is silent. It creeps up on you, you just don't notice."

Orad, the messenger of the chief god Kakarayan, is also the god of rain. He is helping to gather the Kawas, basically spirits of blessings, to send them back to the spiritual realm. Kakarayan is withdrawing his blessing from the planet which will result in a rainless Armageddon. Tien Ti, a local tour guide, crosses paths with Orad and for what turns out to not be the first time. Her fate and the beginning of the world's end are tied together. When Orad chooses free will over predestination it throws the Bureau of Corrections into crisis management mode.

"Behind every lie is a wish waiting to come true."

I will admit to liking the story more than the characters at times. Although there were a few heartfelt moments, much of the more meaningful romance was shown through flashbacks. A couple of the kisses were the guppy kind with eyes open and lips barely touching which felt awkward given Tien Ti's age and romantic history. Because she wasn't invested in the romance I found it hard to invest in it. Tien Ti often treated Orad hostilely, as more of a servant to do her bidding than a possible love interest. Orad kept his emotions close to his vest until he was truly faced with making every day choices that flustered him. Tien Ti would rail against being treated as special and then turn around and ask for special favors. When she was given a taste of power, she found it to be a more complicated thing than she first realized.

"What you see is the deity's will and what god sees as the truth."

Toam, goddess of the cloud, was one of the more complex characters and Alice Ko was magnificent as the morally ambiguous spirit. I found her far more compelling than Tien Ti and a more stylish dresser, too. Fali, head of the Bureau of Corrections, was another character who waffled between good and selfish. A lonely child who had been alone too long, he set into motion many of the characters' actions. Pu Hui was a fun sidekick for Orad though he was a terrible husband.

"When a lie is exposed, what happens to the lie?"

Orad and the Kawas Yaka found out that free will and making your own choices can lead you where you might or might not want to end up. There is a price to pay for freedom. Tien Ti struggled to have free will and make her own choices to alter her fate and the fate of the world. Other times, she was willing to give in to predestination. The drama also showed how emotions and memories are tied together.

"What I wish to see will become what you shall see."

I loved the OST for this drama. I thought the music fit the variety of moods perfectly and truly enjoyed the songs and background music. The drawback for me other than the subdued romance, were the travel office scenes. I didn't mind them at first when they were world building, but as the apocalypse was beginning it seemed surreal to think people were going to want to travel as the water began to dry up and pestilence hit. The use of flashbacks felt repetitive and overused at times. Tien Ti's mood swings could be exhausting as well.

"You are a wish I prayed for"

What is the difference between a lie and a wish? A lie has no future, but a wish might. What is real and what is a dream? Even scientists say it's possible our reality may be an illusion so is it really a lie if we perceive it to be real? Or is it simply a wish manifested? Rainless Love in a Godless Land twisted and turned through myth and perceived reality. I bought into the wish and the lie, hoping that both had happy endings.

9/4/23

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Completed
To Fly With You
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
35 of 35 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A standard cdrama with all its flaws, but...

As may cdramas, useless scenes and a lot of product placement make it too long and sometimes boring or annoying, but the develpment of the love story is so good!
For the first time we witness the growing of a credible relationship. You never ask yourself why they are together or why they love each other.
They go from being strangers meeting by accident and disliking each other to love in such a natural way. Sport is the common ground, most of their dialogues are about this, they share passions and difficulties how a real boy and a real girl would in the same situation. Common experiences lead them to become friends and then lovers for a reason and not "just because" as many kdramas tell us.
Unlike many cdramas, the whole cast is so good and the only weak point (bedised the ones mentioned at the beginning of this rewiev) are close-ups on "action" scenes..a bad slow motion in front of a just as bad background.

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Past Lives
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

how to be an ntr enjoyer?

...i watched this in theaters.. its the definition of korean aesthetics in film.. but there is a very big but.. it feels ntr and ntr on reverse form. basically the whole movie makes you think they both love each other ... but the movie poster tells you otherwise what the ending is.. close but not so close. the actress said theres no kissing scenes coz they were betting on something more. omegalul. in normal peoples words its bs . i watched it as if i wasted my whole time watching it.
basically the husband feels like minor character third wheeling the whole film .
i dont really get why people say heartbreak as realistic when the whole premise of the film is unrealistic in the first place. you dont keep in touch that long . 6 months ldr people are already breaking up. and they pseudo break up without actually getting together. lul. i feel dirty after finished watching it. its like you ate a sweet flavored sewage water. its beautiful but this is not 500 days of summer where things are clearly sort of explained one way of another how they part ways. in this film.. they already parted way long ago.. so there's basically no point in closure when it already closed in the first place. making the whole thing pointless.
music and acting are the best part of this film. even the silence in certain parts i consider that as music.
if you have 10$ watch it. if not dont. you wont regret not watching it either way.

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The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

Hugely disappointing writing & directing compared to S1

4 Sep 2023
The last 2 episodes were the best of series 2.

The cast have, again, been brilliant and if not for them, I would never have finished this, as for me, the direction and writing have all but killed what was a fabulous series 1.

S1 saw great characters, who all grew with each episode. From So Moon, his grandparents and his 2 best friends, to the other Counters. We got background stories on all of them. We got support from and friction with, their Guides. We got a variety of possessed bad people, with the story(ies) of the souls they consumed and then their release, enabled by the extracting of the evil spirit, which was unmasked and sent to its swampy prison. The humour was genuinely funny, usually coming from natural interactions between characters.

We got next to nothing of that in S2 at all. Everything has focussed on one group of evil spirits, with extremely little about their history. The Counters aren't stronger, or better, but often disorganised and ill prepared.

Gelli's OTT cackling and unhinged personality, both became really irritating. Paired with Joo-sook's demon that was like a bad Gollam (Lord of the Rings) rip-off.... a long sigh.

The most awful character annihilation has to be that of Ga Mo-tak, who has gone from tough outside/soft inside, cheeky but serious about his 'work', strong and agile; to becoming a ridiculous, thick, clown-like figure, on too many occasions.

There were several shocking scenes, which were too often criminally smothered by inconsistent writing and woeful plot development.

The intrigues and arcs of S1 were all but forgotten... how So Moon was able to accept Wi Gen was never addressed. The aging effect Mae Ok's healing power has on her every time she has to exert herself to do it, suddenly just made her a little tired; and, no one avoided getting seriously hurt, to try and prevent her having to use it. We almost never see So Moon's friends (they were randomly reintroduced in what felt like an after thought) and have hardly any meaningful interactions with their Guides.

The humour, instead of being a natural response to deadly situations to lighten the story (which people actually do), or the previously mentioned banter between characters, is instead contrived, childish and often totally inappropriate...

For example, someone bizarrely sitting on a toilet having a pooh, whilst having a go at his lacky, who's stood outside the wide open door, holding his nose. YUCK! So out of place... like why include that?!

Don't even get me started on the new recruit, Jeok Bong... very little help at all, weak, stupid, childish; basically made to act like a stereotypical country bumpkin, who smells-out evil spirits in such an obvious and clumsy way. Absolutely dreadful. His Guide is as bad, another character that stereotypes, this time gay/effeminate people, as shouty, bitchy and flouncy.

I am so utterly disappointed in all this, especially after having waited so long. I've never before gotten so upset when a S2 can't quite equal a brilliant S1.

However, S1 was one of my most favourite dramas and the stark contrast between the two, is just too great. The director and writer should be apologising to the cast, crew and fans of S1 that are as disappointed as I am.

Where was Treasure in the end?  What on earth did the scene in Germany have to do with anything of relevance to any part of S2 and so what was the point?

I really missed S1 after it finished, but whilst I love the actors, I won't miss S2 at all.

If I had never seen S1, then as a stand alone drama, maybe I would not have criticised this one so harshly. However, S1 does exist and is SO much better.

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Completed
Flower of Evil
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Better with each episode

The strongest point of this drama is by far the acting of the lead actors, especially Lee Joon Gi. When he broke down and whenever it got emotional, he aced those scenes and they were the best of all. I would argue that those scenes are what made the drama as successful. Because although the plot had some individual twists, the idea itself is nothing new. This is why it started a bit bland and mid but got better with each episode. But sometimes it was a bit slow. I also think that the whole memory loss plot line of the last episode could've been cut out. I can kind of understand why it was there, but it dragged the drama for another episode, which it did not need. But I loved the last scene and it was what I was looking forward to. The music was also great, especially during intense scenes, I could really feel the character's emotions.

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Completed
Bed Friend
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 4, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

This will forever be a favourite!

I loved NetJames's chemistry, it felt so deep made me feel a lot. I really enjoyed how they took mental health seriously, and how the pace and plot was well balanced.

Uea as a character was relatable for me and I loved him both for how he grows and also for just how sassy and funny he can be 😂

King was very supportive and capable of portraying emotion and care for someone which I really liked.
The actora were incredible, definetly my new favourites ❤️

I can't wait to see more of their work!
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