Reviews

Demon

My Demon drama is really subtle, cute and fulfilling. The chemistry between the leads is portrayed very well and i like Do dohee's character. She gives the real boss bitch vibes and the demon's visuals are irresistible. Episode 1-6 are the best and do not skip them. I liked Ms Shin and Mr Park's chemistry but their relationship should have been less rushed. The last episode is nice and als kinda emotional. I wished if the director whould have shown Star Jin's love life too. There should have been more interactions of Noh Dogyeong with his mother. The little moments between dohee and guwon will definitely give you butterflies. The 15th episode was not that good as compared to others. The twists are well plotted and the god's arrival was unpredicted. I liked how the secret culprit was disclosed at the very end. Overall the drama was nice and is worth rewatching.

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You pay for every single laugh you had with your tears

A beautiful drama in every way. It is different from most other historical cdramas that i have watched in many aspects. Firstly, the story's main characters are people who despite being in high positions, have to constantly fight in the frontline, which is something rarely shown. So we see the entire drama from the point of view of a group of spies/soldiers and an extraordinary assassin, who are all mere servants to the higher powers, whose lives don't belong to themselves. It was a fresh take to watch a drama in which the topmost people aren't everything. The kings, princes and other sheltered people aren't the main characters, rather it is a story of how these lower level people have to sacrifice themselves to protect the bigger fishes and citizens in general.

Story and characters: As beautifully it is written is it executed, unlike most cdramas where either the story is trash or is its execution. The story builds up while holding all our feelings in a grip for the first few episodes. The pacing is perfect. It portrayed romantic love, familial affection, brotherhood and friendship in a wonderful way. Also, no character is pure black or white, they all have good and bad in them together, well except maybe the An king. Almost all of them show growth in some way too. The FL is a true badass strong female character worth everything, i didn't expect that Ruyi would steal my heart. She deserved every bit of the respect and love she got from all the characters, including the ml. Nobody was shallow enough to love her solely for her beauty, unlike in most cdramas. The ML is just as strong and endearing. Their feelings develop rather quick, and they stick through thick and thin together and both show growth in areas they lack, they come to trust, understand and rely on each other, make sacrifices and compromises for one another, empower and balance each other, aid and grow together. They are equal, and show mutual respect for each other and their choices and have clear communication the entire time. Both are in tune with each other in every way. They are a mature couple and it helped that they weren't playing teenage characters, rather people almost in their 30s. They were people who had gone through a lot already in their own lives and knew their possible fates. The other main characters Yuan Lu, Yu Shisan were particularly very adorable, Sun Lang had lesser scenes but just as likeable, Qian Zhao was a 2d character who had much growth and different sides to him. Yang Ying was a complicated character who perhaps had the greatest character growth, i grew to like her quite a bit. Li Tongguang was another complicated obsessed to borderline crazy one, he was the typical crazy 2ml, but he wasn't the smartest. He was actually awful and incompetent and i hate him for his decisions which grew more stupid one by one, which led to disasters. I felt so bad for Chu Yue as well, she was so likeable, yet her romance ended before it could even blossom. The wu emperor grew on me as well when he redeemed himself. As befitting as the ending was, it was simply tragic to the point of extremely depressing and those characters didn't deserve that especially when so many deaths could've been easily avoided if the writers wanted to. The series of tragedy began in ep 35 and spanned for 6 whole episodes till 40, there were a few sweet moments in ep 38 though. The pain hit like a truck for real. Those subtle scenes, those reminiscent moments by the characters, them knowingly jumping to their deaths, the realizations of what is going to happen was just so painful. Also, so many deaths could've been prevented, but well that wouldn't cause as much heartbreak then.
This drama made me grow to fall in love with the entire group, with countless hilarious moments, them being like a real family to each other to losing them one by one in a torturous series of 6 eps. And although they showed an open ending, i took it as the logical and rational sad ending as stipulated outwardly by the iqiyi page. So i cried more. But it depends on the viewer about how they want to interpret the ending. At least they are together somewhere.

Production- Cinematography, choreography, editing, soundtrack, costumes and styling and makeup, you name it. Everything was freaking top notch, perfection. I really have nothing to say about the acting of the main cast, they all did phenomenal job. It was LYN's first time being the main male lead and he aced his role. LSS was simply perfect. FYL did a great job with his micro expressions.

They wanted us to cry and they did exactly what was needed. Made us love all the characters then killed them off slowly, prolonging the torture. The heading of my review is what i felt the most watching this. I laughed in 30+ episodes and then spent the last 6 episodes crying, bawling my eyes out. Honestly i don't remember the last time i cried this much over a drama. Do i recommend watching it? Hell yes i do. But maybe stop at ep 34 midway. Else get ready with tissues, chances are your pillows can't soak up all the tears. -0.5 for all the heartbreak it caused me and to the characters who deserved better and an ending that could've been better than this.
This wasn't a drama about all the characters finding love on their way by the end of the show, rather one where no matter what the future held, everyone loved the journey to the end. A journey to be loved, rather than a journey towards finding love. That's how i interpret the title 'A Journey to Love'.

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One of the best dramas

W is definitely one of the best dramas i have seen. The story is different and amazing and brings our fantasy to life. Falling in love with a fictional man. Lee Jongsuk as Kang Chul is a delight. The chemistry between the leads is superbly shown. However in episode 11-14 I think the storyline is streched too much and it got really boring. The last episode has nice plots and the beginning of the drama is must. W definitely is the drama if you are looking forward to watch mystery and crime. The action in the drama is subtle. W contains many genres like comedy, romance, mystery and crime. Overall the drama is pretty good but it is not worth rewatching as you will already know the plots.

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Finding light in unexpected places

It would be wrong to assume that "Last Twilight" is just a typical BL series. It weaves an intricate tapestry of love, emotions, disability, dependency, tragedy and acceptance. It is not a story of the two main characters but a journey that mutliple characters undertake in this 12 episodes.

The main plot revolves around Day, an athlete who is slowly losing his vision. Frustrated by his disability and fear of being pitied by people around him, he loses all motivation to leave his room. Mhok is a mechanic who is down on his luck. Incarceration and loss of his sister teaches him to turn over a new leaf and he decides to be Day's guide.

The brilliance of the series lies in its nuanced portrayal of Day's journey. We witness his initial denial and frustration, the fear of becoming a burden, and the struggle to redefine his identity in the face of his disability. Sea's performance is nothing short of masterful, capturing Day's vulnerability and strength with raw emotion. Every trembling touch, hesitant step, and averted gaze speaks volumes about his struggles. Mhok is the perfect counterpoint to Day's emotional turmoil. Jimmy brings an endearing roughness to the character, hiding a heart of gold beneath a tough exterior. His initial reluctance to care for Day gradually melts away, revealing a man yearning for connection and redemption. Their interactions are a slow burn, fueled by unspoken anxieties and a dependence on each other.

As I said, this is not a typical BL series. It also explores the relationship between Day and his brother Night, a stark contrast in personality yet unwavering in support. The wise guidance of Day's coach offer moments of warmth and hope. Day's mother is overbearing but understanding at the same time.

The series doesn't shy away from addressing the harsh realities of living with a disability. Day's growing dependence on Mhok is never romanticized. The frustration of everyday tasks, the fear of isolation, and the constant uncertainty about the future are portrayed well. It is in these moments that the show shines brightest, highlighting Day's unwavering spirit and his determination to carve a path despite his limitations. The use of touch, from Mhok's gentle hand guiding Day to Day's exploration of the world around him, becomes a sweet connection between them.

In conclusion, this is a beautifully crafted narrative with stunning cinematography, and unforgettable characters offering a refreshingly honest and nuanced portrayal of love, loss, and finding light in the face of difficulties. This is indeed a journey worth taking

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Top Tier BL Series

This show is really awesome. Every episode is getting better and agonized you waiting for the next episode. It will give you butterflies and rollercoaster emotions. One of the strongest point of this series is the character development. The main actors have undeniable and amazing chemistry. The acting of JimmySea here have improved a lot. Cinematography and music is top notched too. The background music were all perfectly fit. For me this is refreshing story. Realistic and relatable. I was worried at first on how they will pull this off because it's a very sensitive topic but they did an excellent job. They researched well and studied in every way. I was happy also they didn't include a lot of characters and just focus mostly on the story of the 2 main characters.
For now, it's my top BL!

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You want kisses?? We've got kisses!

Okay, I admit it. I watched The Love by Hypnotic only because I enjoyed Fang Yilun’s performance so much in A Journey to Love. The show was also a much-needed lighter fare for me after the dark depths we had to go to in AJTL. And there were so many funny moments in the show.
The Love By Hypnotic is light, sweet, and fluffy. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story done well. Alas, that’s probably the only thing I can praise it for. Its many storytelling and production flaws prevent me from giving it a higher score.
- The plot is often illogical and things happen to create angst or lovey-dovey things happen for our couple.
- The way Ming Yue uses hypnosis makes me uncomfortable.
- This kingdom is run on a shoestring budget. There's no maids, soldiers or eunuchs around and royal protocol is non-existent.

But, but ... its good points are really good.

- Fang Yilun's acting is on point, and he shows what a versatile actor he is; he handles the funny and serious scenes expertly.
- The kissing scenes are ... omg, the best I've seen and there are. so. many.
- The characters talk about sex. Yes, SEX. In a Chinese drama.

For one, it does romance REALLY well.

We journey with our reluctant couple as they first meet, fall in “hate” at first sight, develop affection for each other and eventually love. But they don’t stop there – they also talk about practicalities like initiating sex (imagine that), and living together as a married couple when you have different habits and personalities.

So yes, I highly recommend this drama despite its flaws. It can get frustrating at times, but it's still a good drama to relax to and to giggle over ;)

This is a summarised version of my lengthier review here: https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2024/01/26/love-by-hypnotic-review/

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A Touching Tale of Love and Fate

This drama mixes fantasy, love, and deep thoughts about life. The story is about a woman who is very sick and calls for a magical being who represents doom. This interesting idea makes for a story that is full of feelings and makes you think a lot about life and love. The drama shows how people deal with difficult things that happen in life.

The actors in the show do a great job. They make their characters feel real and their acting is very touching. They work well together and make the story even more emotional. The show is also very pretty to watch, with lots of beautiful scenes. It has serious moments but also some funny parts, which makes it not too sad. If you like shows that make you think and have a bit of magic, Doom at Your Service is a good one to watch. It's a special story about fate and how strong people can be.

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Just... Meh

I'll start with I haven't watched the 2003 drama with this same title, so in case I missed out on something, it's because of that.
I don't even know where to start.... It is my pet peeve when writers put so many events into a single episode of a drama and the whole drama then becomes PACKED. Let the plot brew and breathe for a sec, I can't keep up with you.
In the episodes I watched, there was mostly Duan Yu plot and honestly, they could've just cut this story out and call it "the ridiculous adventures of Duan Yu". His plot in those episodes was just.... Crazy. When he found out about the first half sister, okay, when he found out about his second half sister drama minutes moments after, I was just "well.... O-kay? Weird" And when there was the indication of a third half sister because apparently every woman who had a child with Duan Yu's father has a blood revenge on him and the Duan Family, I called it quits.
I put "not planing to drop drama" in the review but idk, I was thinking of dropping it after episode 4 already, then episode 6 and I don't know what kept me until episode 12. Very probably Bai Shu, even though characters like Duan Yu (dummies who are actually just too innocent and pure hearted for the world but gosh darn it, learn something from your actions at least???) are another pet peeve of mine.
There are some things I loved about this drama though, one is soundtrack, the music and singing matched beautifully to the scenery. Two is the what looks like warm autumn weather, when this drama was shot. And three is the teachings of the monks, my infj heart deeply appreciated those words.
I am curious about how this ends, might watch it until the end but right now, I am so tired of Duan Yu diving head first into all of the deep and murky waters.

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While the overall plot may have left something to be desired, the undeniable chemistry between the characters managed to salvage the viewing experience. Although I found myself skipping through parts of the episodes towards the end, there were still moments of enjoyment to be found.

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"Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is a sweeping historical drama that effortlessly transports viewers into a world of intrigue, romance, and political upheaval. Set against the backdrop of the Goryeo dynasty, this series captivates from the very first episode with its lush cinematography, intricate costumes, and gripping storyline.

One of the series' greatest strengths lies in its ensemble cast, who deliver standout performances across the board. From the brooding prince to the scheming courtiers, each character is brought to life with depth and complexity, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates.

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The storytelling remains compelling, with each episode delivering its fair share of thrills, surprises, and emotional resonance. The cast brought their characters to life with such authenticity and depth that it elevated the entire viewing experience. From moments of intense emotion to scenes filled with levity, each actor delivered their performance with skill and conviction

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"Death's Game" is an absolute must-watch, offering a profound message that resonates long after the credits roll: seize the moment before it slips away. This series masterfully blends elements of thrill, drama, humor, and fantasy, delivering a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

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