Reviews

Last Twilight but Our First Twilight

"Last Twilight" emerges as an exceptional masterpiece, leaving an inerasible impact on us viewers. The year-long wait for this series was undoubtedly worth it, as it took time to craft its brilliance. My admiration for JimmySea, immersed by "Vice Versa," only deepened with "Last Twilight." Upon experiencing the series, I was left astounded. Jimmy and Sea surpassed my expectations for BL dramas, showcasing a well-developed chemistry not only on screen but also in real life. Sea's portrayal of a person with a visual disability demonstrated remarkable improvement, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

"Last Twilight" arrived at the perfect moment amidst a sea of hit-or-miss series. It concluded my 2023 on a high note and ushered in my 2024, infusing the transition with a renewed sense of optimism and possibility. What more is there to say? To truly understand the magic in "Last Twilight," one must embark on the journey themselves, engaging in its allure and experiencing its wonders firsthand.

Struggling under substantial debt, Mhok (Jimmy), a technical college student, seeks a well-paying job and lands a position as a caregiver for Day (Sea), a badminton player grappling with partial blindness caused by infectious keratitis. Mhok, in contrast to other candidates, shows no signs of pity for Day. As they spend more time together, a profound connection forms between them. However, when Day receives the news that he has approximately 180 days left until complete vision loss, the challenges ahead will test their bond's strength.

"And now here is my secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - Day (A reference from the Little Prince)

Read more here from LauLastWonderland. This is an excellent review to clear up the misconception, especially with the last few episodes. (Spoilers ahead) https://mydramalist.com/profile/LauLastWonderland/review/336399

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It was so good until the ending eps!

This is a completely fictional plot but with some realism: psychopathic genes. Should we abort babies with this gene or let them live? This ignores the nature vs nurture concept.

The beginning episodes starts off so strong, and so melo. We have a bunch of sad characters with a sad lore in this drama. I liked when it was focused on one case: the Moojin Serial Cases. I was into it, it was a little over the top alongside the broadcasting news show, but it was intense.

Then, it went downhill from there, when the writers started adding other cases and info on top, and the lines start to blur. There started being more harder to believe scenes. The show does a lot of cutting, and then going back to the scene later on to reveal a bigger picture, which is an unique directing style, but can be confusing for viewers like me.

Choi Hong Joo is the most unlikeable character in this show. She's literally in everyone's business and holds all the clues, but she doesn't reveal anything.

Despite the complicated plot that went a little all over the place in the rush to the end, the cast played an pivotal role in drawing me in to keep watching. And the kid actors!! There were so many.

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Do you love badly written, tropey toxic gay romance? Well this is the series for you!

Seriously, the main characters were both so poorly written it's not even funny. The main character can barely string a sentence together and has continuously talked about wanting to stay invisible and yet... he *checks notes* follows and actively seeks out the most popular person in their grade to take pictures of him..... sure, checks out. The main love interest is somehow able to abuse the protag both physically and verbally and yet decides to not even budge a little bit upon realizing his deep emotions? Both main characters so deeply unlikable I was actively rooting for them to hate each other because this took tsundere in the toxic sense and turned it up to 100. I gave it a 6 because I couldn't bare to finish this mess. TW for this show: abuse, bullying, IPV

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A beautiful short series about teenagers high school love; left me wanting more

The whole thing was very soothing to the eye, this be what reviewers say "realistic" cause it talks about the struggle of a gay teen in a society that is not open-minded then meeting a person who is open-minded cause not everyone is the same even if there's a majority, someone out there will understand. So refreshing to see a bl made in japan that is not about being in-doubt when in a same-gender attraction or relationship and wanting to become "normal", this series finally went out of their way to put this out and get the stereotypes away.

Whole cast & film was *chef's kiss* beautiful! it was not hard for the eyes to take, don't have scenarios that makes me wanna keep pausing to take a moment to either get my anger out or stay away from the second-hand embarrassment. lol the only thing that was bad is that it only consists of 5 episodes, I really wish for a continuation cause there's a lot of things that they haven't figured out yet!!

What I like about the series:
1. True Love(?) - they say a lot that love at first sight is real but in here it definitely shows the cliche of it, showing Amane first seeing Ryuji as his type and someone to sleep with. No one can fall in love that fast, it's really quite the lustful thought that puts the interest first when it comes to "love at first sight". Progressively, him spending a lot of time together with Ryuji actually made his like turn to love, it was understandable cause I would also fall in love from the way Ryuji treats Amane, he was seriously just someone who understands and you can trust would be there for you till the end from the way he always reassures Amane to stop putting-on a fake smile that only hurts himself and not judging him cause he's gay. The same goes for the way Amane treats Ryuji, he lifted the pressure and pushes him to become a better person of himself when he made sure to not worry anymore about his dad and helping him with studying. They complimented each other well.
2. Nothing forced - The chemistry was very good but not that much, it's very understandable since they did give me friends vibes but not till the end, I think it was on purpose since Ryuji didn't see Amane the way Amane does at first until the end. Even without that much intimate scenes, their chemistry carried the show. No awkward interactions or second-hand embarrassment.
3. Relatable - Amane's struggles as a gay teenager is soo relatable! it's very hard to trust anyone cause of judgement so we put on something to hide it which amane does by joking about it all the time

What I don't like about the series:
1. Purpose - Some things that are there were there but like for what purpose? Amane's side guy who he sleeps with didn't become anything till the end other than being Amane's fulfillment when it comes to being lonely for being gay. Amane's grandmother is just his caretaker nothing else, shouldve shown what she and ryuji talked about while amane was sick and ryuji's family, which ik the purpose was because amane's family is broken it welcomed him to another home but like hello?? it's ryuji's first time bringing someone over and talking about them a lot but they had like 0 idea about the possibility that he might be liking amane but i guess if it's a girl then they would've. I wished these characters had like a role or play when it comes to their love life if there's a second season.
2. Ending - it really do just ended with their first day being together.. I wanted to see more like the shyness and first time going out and things to do as a a couple and maybe.. their way to become a stronger couple by getting through their judgemental society and to see if their family would accept their relationship.
3. Sexuality - One thing that didn't sit right with me is that Ryuji only accepted the confession cause he thinks it's okay if it's Amane, it's giving "I don't have interest in anyone but you" which is cringy lol. It's another reason why I want another season cause Ryuji hasn't fully looked to Amane as someone he would sleep with- not that it's important but yk it kinda is, it's like he hasn't fully "loved" him yet as much as Amane loves him. Also seems like he hasn't figured out his sexuality since he had no interest maybe on any guy or it's just amane at first then progressively liked him, there's no background about it which makes me question if he's willing to sacrifice everything for him.

I really love this series and really wishing for a continuation cause that was sooo short!!!!!

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It feels like a school project film

The story was cliche. Pretty much knew how the story was going to be like. I watched it because it was a new BL filipino drama. First episode I was going to drop it, but I give it a try to finish it because it was only 20 minutes so why not?

I think the actors were pretty funny. It was like out of context funny.

Acting was just not there. Everyone was just too bland. The only good acting was Nikko's frustration. Nikko smiled the whole time, Eli was just handsome, Justine always looked annoyed. I think the group friends had more personality than the individuals, like Eli's buddies and the 3 girls. The song title was so cheesy. The special effects was kind of interesting but eh not really necessary. It kills the emotions when I visually see how the characters are feelings with the emojis and heart shapes like okay I get it. I didn't understand why Eli liked Nikko. Justine deserved better even though he was kind of creepy cringey. Nikko's plot reveal was errrrr insensitive. The love triangle was annoying but whateva needed plot somehow.

Watch the series without expectations and it will be okay.

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If 2 + 2 is 4...

and 5 + 5 is 10... then wtf is this?

I stg. I'm normally in the minority of badly rated shows, I end up loving them, but my time has come to join the hate parade.

This gets a 1 star only bc of Long and Frank. JUSTICE FOR THESE MEN BC WTF WAS THIS SERIES?

The biggest sin of this show was that horrendous dubbing. I don't mind dubbing. I've watched plenty of dubbed shows, but this was TRASHOLA. The hmm, uhhhh, and hehehe's were so funny and not in a good way. Jail for whoever was responsible for this decision and editing. Jail.

By episode 3 I watched this muted so I could judge the show itself objectively without the horrendous dubbing tempting me to drop this show.

Unfortunately for me, the show still sucked. When we got to the big plot twist I was DYING laughing because it was so STUPID.

Also, where exactly was the romance????

If the show hadn't been dubbed its maybe a 3/10. With the dubbing it's a 1/10. Give these actors something better.

I'm so glad there are people who liked this though. At least this show wasn't a total waste.

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I really want to like this show..

I've seen Addicted and I enjoy that show, so I was excited to see a remake of it.

I totally love the main characters. They are so cute and funny. I believe the chemistry between Wu bi and Su yu was the strongest. The little plots that happens keeps the series interesting. So much emotions happening. One moment I would be laughing and then the next I get speechless. The mood really hits you having happy, sad, surprised, and mad moments. The OST is beautiful.

There were several things I didn't like about the series. The fights were just cringey to me. I think it's ridiculous how a high schooler can beat up grown men and supposedly skilled men without getting hurt. He can't be that overpowered. As much as I like the OST, I was also getting tired of it every time they keep replaying it like around episodes 10ish. If it was instrumental, then I wouldn't mind, but it was literally the entire song every single episodes. It seem like it was used for fillers and it just ruins the beauty or "magic" of the emotional scenes once I keep hearing it all the time. Su Yu's family is just UGH so weird. But I guess they add interesting plots. But idk their personality is just psycho. Of course there's going to be characters I don't like, but I didn't see their intentions with why they're cruel besides just doing it for the heck of it.
I really adore Wu bi and Su yu's interaction, but I'm still confused to where they stand. Are they lovers or just close step brothers?? I guess they left that with our imagination. Still, I'd rather not have love interest with my step siblings.
Some plots were quick and some plots didn't make sense.
Of course, the ending was just :\ like huh??? For me, I think the ending ruin the whole series for me. As much as I love the characters, it just seemed like a waste of time once you finished it. Like you did this for what???

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Pretty good

I mostly watched it because Krist was the main character. The story was was interesting and relatable in some ways. Few moments of life lessons I admire from the characters. Cliche but entertaining. Just something to watch if you don't got other BL series in mind.

I really love Pearmai. Her character was just soooooo good. I kinda wished there was more scenes of Kwan because she was the only side character I rarely got in touched with. Otherwise, everyone was important.

The only thing I didn't like in the series is the love. I wasn't sure why everyone liked someone for a reason besides "you're cute." That was the energy I got from pretty much EVERYONE. Well besides Kawi and even Kwan. It just sounds like a little crush and nothing too deep. The love plot wasn't such a strong attribution to the story.

Again, this was a nice series to watch and pretty new storyline in the BL industry. Give it a try.

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worth a watch

Overall: an overall decent KBL. 8 episodes around 16 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI.

What I Liked
- sweet/cute moments
- that it centered on the two leads without a whole bunch of other characters
- supportive friends
- we got more than 1 kiss and they were a little better than dead fish lip presses
- production value

Room For Improvement
- I wish they had been more clear about what the issue was in the past/shown it earlier and that the issue didn't hinge on poor communication that a 5 minute conversation would clear up
- could have had stronger world building
- the last episode felt more like vignettes instead of an overarching ending episode and if they are planning a spin off/season 2 then that possible couple should have been shown at the very end or even post credits

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At first I thought that this drama was about a corrupt doctor being sent to prison and doing stuff but it turned out it was a revenge story of a doctor who unexpectedly got caught into a twisted plot and got sent to prison for a crime that he didn't commit. And while Na Ije strive to get his revenge he ended up unraveling the conspiracy between a big corporation involved in healthcare, the prison as well as the political scene.

Namgoong Min was really great at portraying the main character Na Ije, and Ilike the fact that there are scenes where he had to use sign language as Na's mother was deaf. And this was a very interesting twist in dramas involving doctors where the doctor was the one taking revenge.

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Hope versus despair. But, the story is going astray.

Story (6 out of 10)

Love is Panacea perhaps is not everyone's cup of tea. It is a drama, but not dramatic. Its comedy is not comedic/ funny. It is not romantic enough, and not giving us emotional roller-coaster like in LYX's previous romantic comedy and romantic tragedy (e.g. Love is Sweet, Till the End of the Moon). You won't be able to binge watch it or be addicted to it because it is too flat and boring (sorry).

I have finished 20 episodes so far and I want to drop it. After the Lacaya arc, this drama lost its strenght i.e. the story theme. When they highlight Huntington Disease, I thought it would become Chinese "1 Liter of Tears". When they showed economic and social issues as well as the moral dilemma around the society and people with terminal illness or incurable disease (poor Sukun and his AIDS, the tragic general with brain tumor, etc), it is really hit my emotion and sympathy. This arc is like an introduction for the Huntington disease part. I prepared myseld to cry so badly, but... nothing is happened after that.

From Lacaya arc, I learnt that life is basically a tragedy. Many people are unlucky to have a full and free life. Unhappiness is bound to happen. In this context, doctors as part of privileged, powerful, and well-off group in society, plays a big role in bringing back happiness to people' heart. But, when they are back to China, to a luxurious city where nobody is struggling to live, those morale and inspiration are gone! It turned out to be a cheap romance, toxic, inhumane, and full of jealousy. Can't they just focus on the medical story, the support, and healthy romance so we (especially with medical conditions) can relate and feel heard? The story lost its promise.

It is a relief that in the beginning, this drama depicts Dr. Gu as a mature and experienced man as well as a professional and dutiful person. His idealism is the moral of the story. He is a person who have faith, "Instead of letting them die in despair, why don't we let them put up a fight? Sometimes love may create miracles. Everything is worth it when you're with your loved ones." His faith is the premise of this drama. How reliable is his faith to face the next challenge when his beloved is the one with incurable disease? This faith makes him the strongest character (emotionally, intellectually, and morally). Will he always be strong? Nope. Back in China, he turned out to be like an immature young boy, chasing after a woman who repeatedly push him away. The story forgot he is a very much adult. His charisma is destroyed. Why should romance make a person less intelligence? I am so disappointed with his character declined development.

And for the female main, Su Wei'an, her depressed personality is not interesting. We understand how an illness can rob many things from a person. But, the story didn't give us enough explanation for her depression or disappointment (the root cause why she wanted to end her life). Did she has a dream that she invested everything to achieve it? Did she has a family that she wants their happiness so much? Did she has a life that is so promising in other eyes? No exploration about those. And, she knows she had a psychological problem, but why she didn't meet any counselor to get help? Her decision is not logical, in fact she was formerly a medical student and definetely learnt about that kind of thing. She doesn't possess positive mindset and strong mentality, which make me wonder how spoiled is her upbringing?

Other weak parts:
Music. Not memorable. Boring. No banger.
Antagonists: Wen Ran, so egoistic. How could she be a doctor? Dr. Li, insane. How could she be a psychiatrist? I want to punch their faces!
Support characters: Jiang Muying, she is so good in Lacaya. But, in China, she lacks contribution to the story. She is just a side-kick and secret keeper for female lead. Fang Mingfan, he takes so long to solve his phobia, and at best, he is just a commentator of love between the main leads.

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As I've already said a few times, I'm a sucker for time-travel related stories, and it was therefore with pretty high expectations that I started watching this "Toki wo Kakeru Bando" - the title reminiscing of the überfamous "Girl who Leapt through Time" also had something to do with that, as well as the presence in the cast of two of my faves from the current generation of J-actresses, Ohara Yuno and Shiraishi Sei.
The script had its good moments but also some not-so-good ones. As far as I'm concerned, too little focus on the time-slip part and too much on the music - note that this "light music" (in the Japanese sense - "K-On", short for "keiongaku") ain't really my cup of tea, so there's that too (had this been about classical music, or jazz, or blues, or tango, or bossanova, or any of the dozens of musical genres I like better than pop, I think I would've like this series a lot more).
Anyway, the acting was pretty good, particularly from Ohara & Shiraishi but also from Miura.
The production value was OK, and the music objectively catchy.
All in all, not a masterpiece but still a decent series imho. 7/10

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Adorable Love Story with Happy Ending

**Brief Synopsis**
T (CEO): Xia
B (Employee): Yao

- Beginning: T is the CEO of the company B is working at. The story starts when B is hired to be T’s assistant. T, who has been taught to hide all emotions, is taken by B’s optimism and charm and wishes to move their relationship to the next level. But B doesn’t believe T’s sincere in his affections because T’s an CEO and he’s just a normal person.

- Middle: T tries to convince B that he is serious and thinks up numerous ways to get closer to B, even convincing B to let him sleep at his apartment. T is not good with his words because he had never been taught how to deal with his emotions. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings between the two, a source of angst as B realizes that he was starting to fall for T as well (**tears warning**).

- End: Just as T is about to give up, deciding to let B go, B realizes that maybe he misunderstood T after all and finally brought up the courage to confess to T. The story ends with them together with both sets of parents knowing about their relationship and somewhat accepting.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT:
- The actors playing B and T. Their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were cute and sweet. They also do a great job in portraying the affection between the characters.
- I really like that the ending was hinting at a possible wedding (both mothers were calling each other in laws).
- I like how by the end of the show, T has learned how to relax and live his own life, even smiling a lot more.
- I really like the fluffy moments in the last episode after they have accepted each other.
- I actually like the concept of the story despite how cliche it was. Seeing B’s impact on T is very nice.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT IT:
- Very tame intimate scenes which can be a disappointment.
- Plot is extremely simple and predictable. There aren’t any plot twists or memorable moments.
- Usage of miscommunication as source of angst: B thinks that T is playing with him but when T tries to explain, there is always some more miscommunication, leading to more angst.
- The acting from the ensemble cast can get very cringey. The writing tries to go for a comical effect but it fails. The dialogue can get a little awkward as well. The reactions from the characters can get a little exaggerated and unnatural.
- Slow burn, meaning they only got together in the last episode. I would have loved to see more of their daily interactions as a couple.

**Conclusion**
An OK watch but won’t be revisiting again.

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A Slow Burn Romance

I came across this drama, because I've taken a fancy with chinese medical dramas lately. This drama is really a slow burn one, when Zeng Li and Ai Jingchu slowly getting known each other. The first episodes, for me, is still okay, where both of them interacted like a newly fell in love teenagers. They were shy and cared for each other.

I watched it until the end, but I can't bear the last remaining episodes. This drama, like any other typical chinese dramas always ended their problems with drinking, tbh I did't like this way of resolving problems. Like, they had misunderstanding, okay? Why did Ai Jing Chu had to be drunk rather just confessed his feelings. Zeng Li also had so many childish behaviour, when she was already 26, a bit unbearable for me.

But overall, the story was really sweet. I loved how both of them are so compatible, and how Ai Jingchu cared and loved Zeng Li. Other couples are so cute, too. They had their own love story, which I enjoyed despite some flaws.

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