Completed
You Are Desire
4 people found this review helpful
by Genom
Sep 9, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

chemistry is there, but story aint mine type

__*You Are Desire (2023)*__ - 8/10 - cdrama

I really liked acting and chemistry of main actors, BUT didnt liked angsty feel and backstory of whole drama.

Alot reviews I read said second half of drama is big downgrade, but I dont think so story just becomes more unfocused and splits into lesser storylines.

Not even sure why since alot dramas got alike angsty backstory in way... you always have some unreasonable villain etc. It just often felt like main pair was closed on small ship in middle of storm?

Surelly its worth watching, but not for everybody.

__*plot*__ - FL gets tossed away by her mother to her father family. FL finds guy she is interested in neighbourhood[ML]. She becomes his desk mate in new school and gets close to him. Story goes around their relationship and FLs family problems + ML family problems.

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Completed
Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

An unflinching portrayal of the horrors and resiliences in war

This was a really good watch imo as it shows the other side of World War 2 from the Japanese perspective. Of course, its not to excuse the atrocities that the Japanese empire has done, but Japanese citizens also suffer its consequences too especially with the Hiroshima nuclear bombing. I was really impressed with the depiction of nuclear bombing victims as they really showed the charred appearance unflinchingly, which shows how cruel the use of nuclear weapons can be.

The romance was really cute too as the main couple were very reserved but they are good folks who are trying to make do with the trying situation. The acting for Suzu (FL) was spot on, I really felt the pain when she lost her arm while also blaming herself for causing the death of her cute niece. And it was especially heartbreaking to watch how she also lost a part of her identity when she lost her right arm since she likes to draw a lot. But I would have like to watch more from the ML since he didn't has a lot of scenes. That's why I feel that his acting was ok at best as he don't have the chance to show his acting chopes, This was a shame as I really like the actor's works.

I think the only problem I have is how the first misunderstanding between the main couple was resolved quite quickly and I personally don't see a point to have the current scenes added. Felt more gimmickly than adding any value to the plot. Some commenters were saying how they don't like how the main couple didn't address their issue with Rin but I feel that it was very Japanese to do that as they were known to do these kind of ambiguous storytelling, which I am fine with it. The music was good but unmemorable imo. Overall, I think this was a really good show and worth rewatching it again.

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Completed
A Time Called You
32 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 6
Overall 6.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 3.5
This review may contain spoilers

Just watch the original, if you have the opportunity!

This is a hard one to explain. Obviously 'A Time Called You' is the adaptation of something amazing, that much is probably clear to most MDL users by now and what makes hard writing this review is that it really is in many ways a fantastic adaptation. They have changed the ending, but that was literally the weakest point of the original, most other things are incredibly faithful to the source material. Most of the time when a kdrama is not an original work, the writers try to add their "personal touch", which more often than not leads to the ruination of the script. Recent examples that come to mind are 'See You in My 19th Life' and 'Kiss Sixth Sense'. Both of these are webcomic adaptations & all changes the writer has made from the source material made the scripts worse, pretty much every single one of them. However as I said this drama is different, the plot most of the time is identical to the original, with the dialog being identical as well, the changes are extremely minimal up until the later episodes. One could even say that this is a far more authentic adaptation than the Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings movies.
As for the casting, most actors fit the original Taiwanese casting down to a T, the similarities are quite eerie actually, I have never seen something like this before. I may not be a big believer in Ahn Hyo Seop's acting ability, but he tried more than hard enough & he is visually a very good fit as well..

So then it begs the question, why is this not amazing?
I think this is the first kdrama I have ever seen where the script was -in a practical sense- perfect, yet I did not really like it. I'm just going to list the big issues one by one:

⌲ The cinematography is too pretty and vibrant, it does not fit.
⌲ The 'song' is a terrible pick and yes this is VERY detrimental in this drama. (if you have to listen to the same song 20 times in a drama, they gotta do better than this, is there even a melody?)
⌲ The OST outside of the cassette song is completely lifeless & could be described as 'nothing'.
⌲ The FL may have had the same lines, but the production team has somewhat ruined her characterization, there's not enough contrast between her two roles, the "switch" is not impactful enough! (YeoBeen acted amazingly well, this is not on her)
⌲ The chemistry could've been better.
⌲ Some of the most impactful scenes of the original are very inferior and some of them are missing, which is weird, because of how closely the adaptation follows the plot. (I think it's not a FF button malfunction, the Piano scene & the bullying of the bullies scene are missing from this? Please do tell me in the review comments, if this is a problem with me falling asleep at those critical moments and I'll just adjust my review & apologize for being stupid)

Ultimately it comes down to this adaptation being redundant, it's just unnecessary! There is no Korean touch here worth mentioning, It's a pointless adaptation. (perhaps it's all about the new product placements within a show that should be a guaranteed success, since it's a copy of something very few ppl know in Korea, but is already proven to be amazing?)


--
Not trying to bash the songwriter here at all, songs that are basically just poems sang with a soulful voice can be amazing, having an impactful melody is not a requirement, it's merely a bad fit for this drama, that's all.
--
edit 1: It kept bothering me, so I rewatched the last 15-20 minutes of the drama in a less medicated state than before. My conclusion is that while I'm not very happy with how the original drama ended, this just feels low effort, I don't know. Considering how one of the few changes they made is related to young Han Jun Hee's story, I sense this might be because they wanted to avoid something that can be considered risque. This I can understand, it's just that the result is much more lifeless & lacking in impact, than the original.

edit 2: There are a large number of positive reviews on MDL that criticize people like myself for not evaluating this drama correctly & that we have too much bias since we watched the Tdrama first. This criticism has merit, however I think even if we ignore the redundancy thing there is just such a huge difference in emotional impact between these two dramas. I have rewatched some select scenes from the original this afternoon & It's fascinating to see how much better those are. (The Birthday Cake scene, This is our First day scene.. generic banter & liveliness etc etc) I think someone has to dislike Mandarin or Taiwan a lot to not see this.

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Completed
First Love: Hatsukoi
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

You won't like this if you are not into cliche plots

To be honest, I was quite disappointed with this as my friend strongly recommended me to watch this. But what I got was a very cliche plot. FL got into an accident, conveniently got amnesia and forgot all the memories with her first love seriously??? It does not help that the FL mother was being such an ass and prevented the ML from contacting her? Like there's really no reason for her to do that. Also, I feel really bad for the ML fiancee, like she's just there in the show to be a substitute and nothing else. And also, the FL son giving me stalker fan vibe with the celebrity crush tbh, idk maybe its the acting.

But I still gave the story a solid 6.5 as the chemistry behind the main couple is on fire and the nostalgia was done pretty well and not overdone. Satoh Takeru is fine af, The really good acting between the the main leads were probably the reason why I continued watching. Music fits the nostalgia vibes but I wasn't very into it. Personal preference.

But as I was typing this review, I thought that maybe the big cliche was intentional as it wants to fit the nostalgic genre. Probably but who knows. Overall, it was a nice watch but I wouldn't watch it again. But the ending was great though.

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Completed
Flower of Evil
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

[ misunderstood psychopaths ]

• had me sliding down the wall with my hand over my mouth every time things switched up. i definitely don’t look at all psychopaths the same anymore.. call me crazy i guess •



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Completed
Butterflied Lover
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A character driven drama

I will keep it short.
It's a short drama but they haven't compromised with the settings or the costume or any aspects that could hinder the enjoyment. As mentioned it is character-driven but that doesn't mean the plot is illogical. The conflict is external but the central conflict is centred on the characters.
They set up the world nicely in the first few eps and establish the characters. From there onwards, it is the characters actions and motivations that drive it forward.

The main couple is already married but they also shows how they fell in love, which was really sweet for me. The Cp have the typical love-hate part which brings the conflict in their relationship but we come to root for them as well. Princess Bai Zho is such a sweet heart. They have kept only what is necessary so the eps doesn't feel too much of filler though they are still light hearted. The main couple's affection for each other was really touching.
Except for the open ending, this was really well done drama that deserves attention.

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Completed
Love by Chance
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Pete & Ae are such a sweet, wholesome couple

Honestly, Pete & Ae are the sort of couple I wish we saw depicted more often in bl. Ae falling for Pete, and figuring out how feelings for him, was very natural and sincere. Perth did an excellent job portraying him! Pete was so vulnerable and endearing. Saint also did wonderful with him.

This could have been at least a 9 star rating if it wasn't for all the sexual assault and coercion in the other three pairings.

1. Most obvious: Kla intentionly flat out raped Techno, who was so drunk he couldn't find his own bedroom and barely recognized the kid. Then he was manipulated like hell the next morning when he woke up to the startling news that he had slept with an underage (assuming since he's still in HS) person of a gender he did not previously think he was attracted to. WHAT?!

2. Tum full on pinning Tar down and trying to force himself on him. Sure, he didn't know Tar was a rape survivor at the time. ut that doesn't matter. And Tar should not have gotten over that nearly so fast. That should have put Tum squarely in the Not Safe category with every other man. I figured they weren't biologically related, but did we have to wait until the last half of the last episode to make it clear they are STEPbrothers and this isn't incest?

3. Tin and Can. People may not see the coercion here, especially because viewers tend to forgive characters with sad backstories. Tin pressured Can every step of the way once he decided he liked the guy. And this after being a Grade A Dick to him! he would manipulate Can into getting to kiss him. If it wasn't for this "persistent to the point of it being coercive manipulation" I'd have no problem with this pair....other than Can being obnoxious and too extra. I did 100% cry when Tin got rejected by Can, even if he was sketchy and an asshole.

I'd like to think they did better in season 2 but since there is no Pete and the most obnoxious character I've seen in any drama from any country is one of the mains, I'll just leave that in my imagination.

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Ongoing 10/24
Circle of Love
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
10 of 24 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

The toxicity I needed

I didn’t know I needed this kind of toxicity in my peaches-and-cream drama life.
First, Karens don’t come for me about my toxic relationship with this drama. Police me another day😂😂.
This is surprisingly watchable. Yes, I had moments where I thought he was a complete a** but that's a given with this drama. It’s not a Romcom. It’s not your typical costume romance either. You have revenge, love, intimacy, revenge, drama, drama again, revenge again and it goes on and on like that. *laughing hysterically* I’m sorry but I was not expecting that from this drama.

All jokes aside, it’s an interesting story. I will give the entire drama 8.5/10 or 4.2/5 stars.
I don't have to go into detail about the plot because it's in the synopsis.

Just beware!!!!!!
Watch at your own risk.
Me. Well, I am enjoying the ride.
Happy Viewing!

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Completed
Who Rules the World
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers
costume: 8.5
cast; 9
music: 8.5
Story: 8.5

Based on the average I would rate this drama around an 8, (8.6) to be more specific).

This drama has been a hit for me because it's been a while since I've seen a good martial arts fantasy drama. I like the acting very much, with both leads having their looks and acting skills. Yang Yang never fails me with his dramas and I've been looking forward to this one. Zhao Lusi I was a bit concerned that she wouldn't be able to bring out the martial arts heroine but to my surprise, she did an amazing job bringing out Bai Fengxi.

The costume was good, especially the plain robes of both Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi in the martial world. I also like the difference in their clothing when they switched from being in the martial arts world vs. their political court affairs.

Song Unpallared, at the beginning of the intro, had a good beat for a martial arts show like this.

The storyline was catchy in my opinion and had my attention. Though there was a lot of politics there was also a lot of action which is what I'd like to see. There were also times when a few romance scenes popped up making me want to ship, their ship name basically "Hei Feng Bai Xi" even more. The last few episodes leading up to the ending seemed a bit rushed and there were just too many things happening but I did like how the beginning episodes from 1-10 led me in. From my perspective, I didn't really like the ending for some reason. I don't really know why.

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Completed
A Time Called You
7 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Remake Woes


I am writing this review as someone who has already seen the OG. The formula for creating a remake has a lot to do with how the production recreates the same plot but with an original essence. Sadly, the actors fail this drama more than the production.

Yeo Been does a fantastic job of understanding the character and delivering as both Jun Hee/Min Joo. I like her interpretation of both the characters. You can feel the difference in the plight of both the characters through her, and she makes the drama more watchable than anyone else.

Kang Hoon also does a decent job In Kyu; however, Ahn Hyo Seop fails to deliver. I think he failed to understand the nuances of his character and oftentimes comes across as stiff. There isn't a major distinction between his interpretations of Yeon Jun/Si Heon. If you have watched the OG, you will find yourself comparing him to Greg Hsu, who did a fantastic job at conveying different emotions/characters. With Ahn Hyo Seop, you will at times find yourself confused about which character of the two Yeon Jun/Si Heon he is trying to portray as the climax approaches.

Overall, this may be a redundant watch for anyone who has already seen the OG; however, you might enjoy it if you haven't seen the OG. There aren't any major changes from the OG plot, which is regretful as at least some changes would've made this watch a lot more interesting. It was as if I already knew what was about to happen at each moment, some plot changes would've made the drama a lot more original to itself. The cinematography and direction, however, do not disappoint. None of the shots look "cheap" or ridiculous, which they did at times in the OG. It is a decent one-time watch.

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Completed
Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 3.5

Episode 1-7 was really good the rest was trash

There is a lot of potential that is not used well by story makers, even though if that potential was used well for two characters like ML and FL it would be better. Episodes 1-7 are very good, in my opinion, they are my favorite drama, but after that it becomes a waste of time. I think the story makers want to make interesting things, even though they only make trash stories. If episodes 8-9-10 don't exist, I think they will be the top of my favorite Japanese dramas. But a lot of potential was wasted in the last episode. Overall I give a 7 rating for this drama
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Ongoing 12/12
The First Responders Season 2
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

One of the best thriller kdrama

I don't think that detective Jin Is dead as in 11th epiosde of S2 you watch that they don't show the full autopsy of Jin and The call exchange between Kang Doha and son ji yoon at NFS and also the bomb blast that happened on the roof didn't show the full explosion . I think that they try to make a fool out of Dex to catch him . They all know that Professor Han is Dex but pretend to catch him . Bro you should watch this drama . You are going to a absolutely hooked to it . Let's all hope that decective Jin is not dead .
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Dropped 26/30
You Are Desire
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
26 of 30 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Not worth watching

The one rando guy who claims to be the uncle's friend was unnecessary, it didn't make the story any better. Also no updates on the fl's brother and her friend's relationship was upsetting, I was rooting for them. Didn't watch to the end bc I felt that everything was being dragged. My sis watched til the end but said the ending was super rushed leaving a unsatisfied ending. This one is the most disappointing storyline out of Yiran's dramas, it just wasn't as good as his other dramas. This felt very boring halfway I'm surprised that I kept watching til the last couple of eps, I should've dropped it long time ago.

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Completed
Someday or One Day
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Underrated Gem

I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now. I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now. I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now. I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now. I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now. I don't know what this drama made to me but I've been rewatching this series yearly since 2020 when I started this series up to now.

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Completed
To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories
0 people found this review helpful
by h2owon
Sep 9, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 10

:)

to be honest, i could write an entire essay about this season.
for starters, let’s talk about the break-up. it was so extremely painful to watch. of course, i loved season 1 so much because that was the start of everything, but season 2 really just did something else for me. i seriously love angst and painful plots, so you could understand why i’m obsessed with this season.
i felt so terrible for seojoon. not knowing the reason why jiwoo left him must have been so devastating for him. and jiwoo, the way he was acting like nothing was even happening, i couldn’t handle it. it was so painful.
there were many scenes where i got very emotional. the way woohyeon and kangmin portray their characters is incredible. in some scenes, it really felt as if i were [character], just because the way their emotions were expressed so perfectly and realistically. it really hit me like a truck. i may be dramatic, but there was a certain scene where i could really feel jiwoo’s emotion, as if i were soaking it up like a sponge. it was heartbreaking and devastating, and so suffocating. these men really deserve an award for their performance in this season, because it was seriously extraordinary.
it’s hard to really write my true feelings about this season without giving any spoilers.
if i’m ever in the need to feel like i myself have got broken up with, i will definitely rewatch this.
many people didn’t like the season because they just didn’t like how seojoon and jiwoo broke up, but that’s exactly why i like this season so much.
it showed how realistic dating is. no couple in this world is going to have a perfect, painless relationship. maybe this is my preference for drama and angst talking, but it really took this couple and characters to a whole new level.
i seriously applaud woohyeon and kangmin. they are incredible actors.

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