Reviews

Flashback Soup

I just read some of the comments and reviews and I couldn't believe everybody is praising this series, so I feel like I have to remind you to care about quality and never lower your standards even for a BL.

STORY: The idea of the story is actually the best quality of this series. but unfortunately the writers obviously lack the knowledge and attention span to develop believable characters and flesh out the story by creating the necessary plot points to execute the original idea into a series. Therefore the final result feels more like an unfinished project that needs to be retouched much more to become a script that can be turned into a multi episode TV Series.

ACTING: The two leads are both fresh newbies, which would be perfectly OK if they could act. But none of the newbie actors in the series have the ability to deliver a decent performance. Since this is a very dramatic story with an intimate theme, most of the narrative development is based on the actors' ability to convey the deep and complicated feelings of each character through their facial expression and body language. Yet, Mr. Title as Nut can only present the audience with two emotions. This number is even lower for Mr. Man as Phob. He can only give us a bright eyed toothy smile, while in the sad scenes he has nothing to offer.

EDITING: While the review section on MDL ignores editing as one of the main qualities to be discussed on a review note, it is actually one of the more important characteristics of a drama. For The Yearbook, though, Editing is its weakest point. It seems like the director ordered the editing staff to create the perfect Soup for each episode, by taking all the material they have and mix it up as they please. The result is a bunch of consequential scenes scattered with nonconsequential flashbacks that seem to just play on repeat endlessly.
Another super annoying editing issue is the, again very much repetitive, songs that keep playing while the characters are looking at a distant scenery or taking forever to deliver their lines. This technique is nice for a special part in the drama, but over using it made me long for a moment of silence. At some point I was tempted to throw my earbuds out.

Directing: Don't get me wrong. I think Mr. Mean is a talented actor. I actually liked his performance in LBC 2. And there is nothing wrong with expanding his career if he likes directing. But, a TV series at this length is too much for someone who is at the initial stage of his career. I think it would have been a wiser decision if the producers found a more experienced director for this series, and let Mr. Mean and Mr. Benz work as co-directors. Personally, I think the best path for a young director is to start by testing his hand at making a few short films before going for larger productions.

OVERALL: For those who are considering to watch The Yearbook, I can't guarantee you won't drop it halfway. I have read in the comment section that the movie has less flashbacks so maybe you'd better watch that version.

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I Gave This a 10 Rating Even Though It Has Its Flaws

Just to reiterate, I absolutely love this series so far but it does have its drawbacks.

I won't go into details about what this show is about because there are already many reviews explaining that thoroughly.

I'm a huge fan of actress Park Eun Bin (main lead) and teen actor Moon Woo Jin, (who plays the young Ki-Ho). I'm also a fan of screenwriter Park Hye Ryun's works.

I could rave on and on about why I love this show but I'm only going to talk about some of the things that I wasn't too fond of.

Another review explained how young Ki-Ho was getting beaten in public and no one came to help. Then soon after, we had to watch Seo Mok-Ha (FL) get chased around the ferry and again, there was no help. While I agree that the lack of help seemed ridiculous, at the same time, when you think about how society is today, it actually may not be too far off the mark. While I personally would like to think the best of people, the "bystander effect" is real. Some people just do not want to get involved. Sad but true.

What bothered me the most so far, was the storyline regarding adults and domestic violence. I think this is where I feel the writers missed the mark when it comes to protecting children. Another person claimed that this wasn't an "advocacy show", that it is just a "drama". Of course it is, but IMO, writers can be powerful influencers. While they were able to write about the issue of domestic violence, there wasn't any real "ray of hope" so to speak. All was lost by the first episode. I found it especially disappointing when Seo Mok-ha goes back to the island and speaks to the two men who took over Mok-ha's father's shop. The men speak unkindly about Ki-Ho. Even though they knew that Ki-Ho reported his father for domestic abuse, they referred to him as being "insolent" and "the worst son ever" and of Ki-Ho breaking down mentally. The only saving grace from that scene was learning that Ki-Ho's father was fired from his job. But then the men go on to talk about how Ki-Ho's father still loves him and went to Seoul to look for him because "that's what parents do."

What a bunch of crockery. Lol! I say that only because there were a lot of ways that conversation could've gone differently without changing the storyline. Like maybe NOT taking the father's side and being understanding of Ki-Ho's situation and why he fled. Would've been nice if that one guy actually realized that he had caused problems for Ki-Ho and was regretful. That they tried to convince Ki-Ho's father not to leave and look for his son. That maybe perhaps they hoped Ki-ho wouldn't get discovered.

But of course, it's a "drama". But this is my version of how I wished that scene had unfolded because we shouldn't gloss over abusers' actions. As a viewer, I can only hope that for young child or teenager, who may be suffering from domestic abuse, if they're watching this show, finds some hope and solace. That there are adults out there who will believe them, take their side, and help them. This is why I say writers can be powerful influencers. They can change the narrative and influence public opinion and offer hope, even if it is just a "drama".

Moving on, another thing I greatly disliked was Yan Ran Joo reliving her glory days when it was really Mok-ha was doing all the singing. The way Ran Joo is acting all happy about the raving articles about her and yet, she was lip-synching. Seriously? I would understand if she was happy because she hopes to sell some albums but it wasn't portrayed like that. Of course, I'm sure things are going to get better later on, and with Ran Joo's help, Mok-ha will be able to become a diva.

Despite all this, I really, really love this show. The actors are amazing. I've always been a fan of Park Eun Bin and especially, Moon Woo Jin. Woo Jin's earlier works were always so amazing especially in "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim". He's growing up to be just as good as Eun Bin. Rooting for this kid all the way. I also want to give a shout-out to Lee Re who plays the younger version of Moh-ka. She was so amazing too! Her acting chops are like a mini-version of Eun Bin! Even her big, beautiful smile was the same. These two teen actors hit it out of the park! I was so moved to tears with these two. I adore Park Eun Bin as always. and as for screenwriter Park Hye Ryun, I still love her works especially, "While You Were Sleeping"! One of my fave dramas!!

On Ep4 as of writing. May update later if necessary!

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Our Lovable Drama

Much has been written about this drama, detailing their insights, ideas, the "I liked it or "it should be . ."

As for me, who watched a drama to be entertained, I find this drama as an interesting show!
Watching this drama always gives me joy, smiles, tears, and sadness, as if I am journeying with the Characters on it.
This engaging drama keeps us captivated and fixes our attention to its storyline, its suspenseful plot, and to the actors and actresses playing their roles respectively.
Wang Youshou is the Perfect actor for his role as Rong Yu; so with Song Yiren for her role as He Jiuling. They delivered their roles to a perfect "T".
And I want also to credit the supporting cast and crew, who are all behind this drama. They played their roles well.

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A little different then what we expected but definitely not dissapointing

Honestly what threw me off was the sudden increase in maturity of the drama. Season 1 watchers loved the whole high school concept of victim standing up to bully with newly gained powers then having a whole secret life of fighting evil spirits while getting revenge for his parents.
Season 2 kinda felt like they tried to keep that high school innocence in him while showing these grown way more mature evil villains so i felt it didnt mix well. plus with the new member added i felt they didnt properly explore him as much. like i get he aint the main character but like we didnt get to truly bond with him and the way they tried to make him the dumb comedy relief felt forced.

Overall tho i really enjoyed it. The acting was amazing the characters still felt like them selves and the villains were honestly so good and fighting against them was so challenging for the counters and i prefer those more then simple minded vilains

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This is hit because?

I love this drama the pain that the main character went through and the other casts. But it doesn't only leave us with sadness but with enjoyment, cuteness, romance and comedies. I couldn't wait for all the episodes to come out because it was just too good to wait. The acting of the cast is the top tier you can feel the characters. This drama hits me hard as it shows the reality of a child who wants to be the perfect child for the parents. It shows no children are ever perfect they just hide it. It also shows the love of a child for their parents. I'm glad to say I could watch this drama over and again and I will never stop crying or laughing from watching. Although the acting is insane from the sadness to their chaotic sides this drama catches my heart. I always sympathise with every character. I would like another drama like this. The music scenes were great i replay the songs all the time. This drama has a lot of plot twists and one of the reasons i cannot let go of this drama.

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An Overindulgent Mess

This is the continuing story of CUTIE PIE which itself was an incoherent hot mess. Fortunately, this series was a bit better and less emotionally abusive in content. It also made an attempt to tell a story and did try to bring a certain level of maturity to the forefront. Unfortunately, it merely continued the overindulgent and pampered story of Kon Dio . and Yi. While certainly not deep and more like a soap opera, it had the potential for being a good BL series that just would not push itself to tell a love story. There are some deeply and profoundly moving and poignant moments to this series, however. And it also features in a supporting role one of the handsomest men I have ever seen.
You can read my full review of this series at BLBliss.com and find out who that is.

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Another ML hypnotized by... who knows what

Dropped the drama but not because of the male lead casting choice (I acctualy like the variety in the cast, the good story and acting are not determined by the age or beauty). I am more dissapointed by the story which is, once again, concentrated on the female lead bewiched by an one-moment-adoring-and-another-moment-abusive male lead. Not that she does not hate him; but she at the same time embroiders flowers for him, navigates him in political fights and saves him from stupid decisions.
Perfectly normal woman with a functional brain goes back time and again to the guy who kills the whole family of her ex, blackmails her, r**es her, not to mention has s** with another woman while she's in labor. Which is even worse, I cannnot find any reason why would she be attached to him. I hope from the bottom of my heart that the reason behind her love for him is not the r**e, or 'being branded' for life with her first (and only, in many years to come) se**al encounter.
I understand there could be more explanation in the episodes I missed because I dropped the drama half-way, but I lost the patience to wait.
And I sincerely hope that young people (of either gender) do not look at this kind of plot for a role model to their relationships; being too patient with abusive partners brings only more and more misery.

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Definitely Worth Watching, Bingeworthy!

This is my first year delving into Asian dramas in a big way so I'm likely not as jaded as most viewers by common drama tropes. If you like bad boys who are actually sweet at heart, this story will definitely appeal.

Unlike many viewers, I am not familiar with the author this drama story was based on but feel that it's well written and the character arc development interesting. I'm not a fan of time skip in a story. To show past and present in a readily understandable fashion plus bypass uneventful story points quickly, perhaps it's necessary.

Halfway through watching the series I realized that the main character Bai ZongYi, played by Taro Lino was also listed as director, which definitely impressed me. ZongYi as a character most appealed to me with his mix of geeky intelligence and awkwardness. Ai Di, played by Louis Chiang, a support character almost steals the show!! Like a ray of sunshine...so feisty, adorable and mature!!?

Good chemistry and deep loyalty between the main couple. Extra spicy deep affection between the support couple. Support couple had several artfully posed ending shots when they were together.

Worth watching and due to the short episode length, extremely bingeable! Please give it a chance.

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no this drama isn’t good.

I’m going to keep this short because this drama isn’t really worth explaining and explaining. This drama is just bad, the writing is so off and characters say and do things that don’t match up with who they are?

I swear everyone is just a bad person and there is no sympathy. I was interested in the parts with Da Mi, but now I guess she is just dead.. so what am I watching for… the revenge? I don’t get the whole plot with K, who and why does he show up? Why is is the blonde guy now? This drama just had plot twists just to have them and they make no sense. The first few times I was ok with it because it was interesting, but now I get that this drama is not only stupid, like it’s lazy.

To keep me engaged they want me to believe these twists and turns… I had to sit back and just call this drama dumb so I could keep watching. I wanted to have fun watching something so stupid, but at this point I don’t have anyone to root for and I feel a bit insulted being toyed like this. I’m serious when I say this drama isn’t one of those that I’m hating because I’m stupid, I simply hate the drama because it is the stupid thing. There is so much character shifts and doing things just for the sake of drama and I can’t do it anymore. This show isn’t too gritty or out there honestly, it’s just stupid.

Why are they all in it to begin with if it’s just a cover up for Mo Ne’s child? Why would K go that far? Kill someone? They want me to believe all these characters are entangle with eachother but at the base of it it is just for Mo Ne and the child thing? It isn’t that hard to get some truth out but oh a cop is involved so that’s why.. god it’s so dumb. It’s not worth starting even, no. I did it for kicks and giggles, now im dropping to start another drama. This drama was filling the empty space until another dramatic and gritty show came out, so I’m watching Vigilante instead of this hot garbage.

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Hooked right from the first episode !

For a long time time, I was looking for a historical c drama which make me fall in love with it in a instant.
And for sure, I fell in love with this series from the very first episode.
I am loving it.
And you will also found it intriguing if you are into historical twist and turns drama.

Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cast - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Acting - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Each and everything about this show is on point.
It got me hooked from the start and after a long time I am feeling such a way with a Chinese series.
Bai Lu and Zhang Liang He’s chemistry is sizzling.
Just go for it.

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The server and his lover

We have a weird but unique storyline out here. The main couple living in one roof wherein one serves while the other one pays the bill, is quite intriguing. Subjectively speaking, not a big fan of this genre and feel way too questionable but the drama itself is good enough to emphasize the romance and intimacy that the characters have with each other.

The main cast is just okay, nothing extraordinary, or either one of them stood the best. But I found it cute how nerdy yet hotty the side character is, the husband of the girl manga author.

I don’t have much to say in this drama; all I can say is that it is average for me. Not too bad and not too impactful for a show in general. I just wished that somehow, they tried to build a different character development to the weatherman, in a genuine and soft kind of attitude towards the manga artist.

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LIKABLE CHARACTERS AT VERY FIRST EPISODE!

First of all can we give Taro Lin a pat in the back for giving us great acting skills and given that it's his first series (that I know of). Also the hot and gorgeous Kai, I mean hello mister hot eyes and smile!!!???
Taiwan BL has done it again!! Giving us a light and fluffy story of Fan Ze Rui and Bai Zong Yi with a side cherry and I will say it again, the secondary couple deserves a separate series too. Nat and Louis did a great job and it looks like they are not just a secondary couple, at some point in the series I crave for their story and for that we need a separate series for this two great actor.
I wouldn't say this series is perfect but I will say that it's likable and it's worth re-watching it over and over again.
I love how Bai Zong Yi developed his love for Fan Ze Rui and vice versa. They protect each other, showed their vulnerability which is in my opinion a great point. Each have a dark past and eventually became a rock for each other to lean on.
In the episode where Bai Zong Yi is being treated by Fan Ze Rui and well.........leads to the most awaited scene that BL addicts is waiting for...I wouldn't say sex scene, I would say LOVE scene! LOL!! From the very beginning of the series till the love scene, I see Fan Ze Rui as the dominant one given the fact that he is a "gangster". Then the bed scene came and when he said to Bai Zong Yi: do you know what you are doing? and then shoot!!! I SCREAMED LIKE I NEVER SCREAMED BEFORE...LOL!! I said WHAT!!!????? Really?? But I think it's hot! LOL! I mean look at their height differences it's so cute! (AND SAME GOES FOR CHEN YI AND AI DI!!!) I said to myself, don't judge the looks and Bai Zong Yi and Ai Di is a great example for that. All i thought this are the WIVES of the series LOl!

I have to give to BL Taiwan a hard YES YES YES and more YES! For the past series that I've seen so far, KISEKI is in my TOP 5. And I think there's still more Taiwanese BL series to come, VBL, a BL series production company that made "STAY BY MY SIDE" and "YOU ARE MINE"(one of my favorite) have list of BL line ups and it will premiere this November till next year 2024.

Being said that........I highly recommend this BL and allt he upcoming Taiwanese BLs to come!

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What i think about this?

The Acting was pretty good but although i think maybe with stabbing scenes the acting was a bit low. It might be because they didn't wanna involve much on the violence. However i have only watched 1 episode and I'm glad to say i will definitely watch it when all the episode are out. I really love the acting of the male lead but i would of liked a little bit more psycho acting. But overall i do think these acting have definitely mastered the show its very interesting. I really love plot on the first episode but however i think is it bit rushed. But i do suggest to wath it. The music was okay but i didn't take much notice the music.

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gripping story/plotline

It's the kind of cliff-hanger ending that keeps you wanting for more asap.

From ep 1-24 it was a breezy watch for me. They maximized their 24 episodes so well that there's no room for filler scenes. There are no spoilers in this review, I'll just write why I love this drama.

1. The cast: I have to admit I've never watched anything from the cast aside from YSX and ZLH so I was pleasantly surprised with everyone's performance. Tian Jia Rui was a scene stealer for me as well as Zuo Ye. I was surprised they're newbies. There's just something about their interpretations of their characters that draws you in. Jin Jolin is ofc a fan favorite lol

2. The plot: It's a work of art. I love the world-building and honestly would want to know more about Wufeng and of their past (and ofc their future but I'm not too hopeful T-T). The execution is also really good, it keeps you hanging after each episode.

3. The production: Top notch. I love the general dark palette. It suits the overall vibe of the drama. SFX, VFX and sound effects are just the right amount to support each scene. Love it.

4. The characters: Very intriguing. I'm particularly curious about the Hanyas and the leaders. Also each character have their own stand out personality that each actor/actress portrayed well.

I'd also like to say something about the fan "feud" between YSX and LYX and their CPs. For me, LYX indeed was a standout. Every time she schemes, her eyes draw you in. I'm such a sucker for actors who have amazing control of their micro expressions and i think LYX excels in that (as well as TJR and ZLH tho i think he needs more training too). But YSX did an excellent job as an assasin too especially since this is far different than her usual roles. Her action scenes are good, tho imo her micro expressions need more work. They both have their strong points. As for the CPs, they're also both remarkable, they have their own audience. For someone who hates toxicity, I definitely preferred the main cp and for people who love thrill and sexual tension trope then the 2nd cp is def for them. I preferred the main cp's honest relationship.

Overall, My Journey to You is an amazing drama that I would proudly recommend to those who ask. It's amazing!

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