Completed
Bad Buddy
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

I usually despise a time jump!…

All the rave reviews are not wrong. This is simply an outstanding BL, even if some storylines or plot points could be considered recycled from many used tropes. Who cares! Bad Buddy does it well!

From two people who can’t be friends, to people who can’t be just friends. Though that seems like just your ordinary enemies to lovers scenario. Bad Buddy is truly the definition of that comfort show you’re looking for that does it better than even the best. I watch this stuff because I like it, and Bad Buddy was done so well that it made me love it.

All of it, beautiful to watch. It check marks all those boxes. The acting from the MLs is truly spectacular, which definitely boosts the whole show. But you see, Bad Buddy has that little something extra. It has a beautiful and meaningful message. Even if you can’t change the world, that doesn’t mean that you should let the world change you. Live your life how you want to! Find what makes you happy and do your best to avoid what causes you unhappiness. Everyone else can either deal with it or suck it.

But to my “time jump” spoiler. I am frickin sick of a years long time jump gap that seems to be trending in shows. And yes, Bad Buddy once again was like, trope it up! But seriously, it’s done so well. Other shows should take note that this is how a time jump is done!

So yeah, I recommend this show and I dare you to let me know if you’re disappointed. There’s just no way. (P.S. if you find a way, that’s on you…)

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Completed
Story of Kunning Palace
3 people found this review helpful
by GiGi
Jan 21, 2024
38 of 38 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I love this ending.

Bai Lu, my favorite Korean actress, consistently impresses with her ability to embody and breathe life into her characters. Her portrayal in this drama is no exception; she effortlessly makes the role her own, delivering a truly believable performance. The intelligence woven into the storyline took me by surprise, and I find myself compelled to rewatch it, eager to catch any nuances I might have missed initially.

Zhang Ling He, a relatively new actor with four years under his belt, continues to show remarkable improvement with each project. His depiction of a character with two distinct personalities within the same time period is a testament to his talent. The first episode demands focused attention, and his compelling performance truly stood out. His captivating eyes, a personal weakness of mine, added depth to his character, resonating with my emotions throughout the drama.

This journey was an emotional rollercoaster, evoking tears, smiles, and even prompting me to throw my slipper at the TV in moments of heightened engagement. The stellar cast, comprised of many talented actors, contributed significantly to the overall excellence of the drama. Special thanks to each of them for their dedicated efforts. Kudos to the writers for crafting a compelling narrative, and I'm particularly grateful for the inclusion of martial arts in the storyline. The swordplay was a delightful element that added an extra layer of excitement. It was surprising that Zhang Ling's second persona didn't engage in much martial arts, leaving me yearning for more. Nonetheless, the overall experience was truly worth it.

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Completed
Love of Thousand Years
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

Just average for me

I honestly started watching this series because of Zhao LuSi and I really watched majority of her shows - except movies so far. However, sadly I have to say.... this is one of the series I am not really fond of nor found the energy to go through a 2nd time. I wouldn't say her acting is stiff or bad in this series - like some of the comments / reviews left for this series. But I feel that it is kinda lacking of something. Firstly, I had a slight confusion moment at the starting of the series because LuSi wasn't playing the princess from the get go. I had to pause, re-read the synopsis a couple of times to better understand the series and then continue watching.

However, I (personally) find that this series is too much jumping here and there, too much petty fights etc. The "2nd female lead" or also known as LuSi's cousin in this series is abit too much with her insecurity"ness" and her "I need to be better than everyone especially the main female lead then only I am happy" attitude. The chemistry between LuSi and Zheng Ye Cheng (the male lead) is somewhat stale and not "sparkly" like many of LuSi's other series. There are many sweet moments or funny moments throughout the series that helps brighten the mood but I feel the negative parts are just too overwhelming. Although the lack of interest for the series, I have to say that all of the casts did a good job making this series become a reality.

I, personally, will not fully recommend this series... unless you have read and take a liking to the synopsis of this series yourself. But the music / soundtrack paired for this series is amazing. I really love the songs in this show! <3

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Ongoing 4/8
Dinosaur Love
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
4 of 8 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Don't waste your time

From the very 1st episode I thought Rak was a little slow or maybe Autistic ( which I have no problem with as my son is autistic) and was a side character waiting for his friend who was the lead, but alas, I was wrong. At least that would explain the horrible acting. Kong (Rak) cannot act. Sorry, but it needs to be said. His dull expressions are too much and several times it looks as if he's looking for someone off camera for direction. I can't tell if Rak is just naive or honestly has no idea what's going on in the world. Surely they could've found someone better for this role.

For example, in ep. 3 when Mek was at his apt, he didn't scream for help or even make a half-hearted attempt to slap, kick, scratch, bite or punch Mek.

I'll admit I haven't seen the whole series but based off other reviews, I'm not sure if I'm going to. If I was new to bl and started out with this series, I'd never watch another bl again.

AND ENOUGH WITH THE PRODUCT PLACEMENT ALREADY!!! It never fits the timing of the storyline.

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Completed
Single’s Inferno Season 3
36 people found this review helpful
by lex
Jan 21, 2024
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 4.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

GWANHEE'S INFERNO - A WASTE OF TIME!

***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION ON THE ENTIRE SEASON YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE AND I'M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***

This review / my comments are not safe for Gwan Hee sympathizers. Additionally I will probably call out and drag everyone at some point so you were warned because you might not like what I have to say. To protect your peace I suggest you just keep scrolling if you are any of the aforementioned people.
_____________________________________________

OVERVIEW (SPOILERS AHEAD!) :

To say that this was the worst season would be an understatement. Boy did they disappoint me. To say the least this season lacked depth, got boring halfway through and was a struggle to finish. I did not feel connected to any of the contestants at all.

Once the contestants have been to paradise it’s like they’ve seen it all and don’t really have any motivation or incentive to keep on going. The way the men sat on their asses all day and did not really try to pursue any of the women was disappointing. They had 9 days there and none of them showed any real impetuous to get to know the women. It was like a long winded free vacation where they put in minimal effort.

Gwanhee by far was the most annoying and insufferable person in the history of Singles Inferno. LIKE THIS MAN CANNOT BE A REAL PERSON. Idk how to explain my disdain for him without it coming off as hatred because it is. "I hate men" – tell me why this was my reaction every time he did something or came on screen. I genuinely can’t stand men who are spoilt, indecisive, cowardly and two faced. He played almost all the women there and literally did not have any regrets or second thoughts about doing so. But what can people expect when he’s just a narcissist egotistical pro basketball player who’s been put on a pedestal his whole life because of his “rich” family background. Either way people out there who are making excuses for him being in a long term relationship for 6 years or his upbringing for his insecureness need to reassess. Just because he had a bad experience in a prior relationship does not give him the right to act like an asshole. He was way too carefree, inconsiderate and nonchalant towards all the women and their emotions / feelings.

I feel sorry for all those girls who kept on choosing Gwanhee despite knowing what a huge red flag he was. The only person who didn’t know and wasn’t in that room when all the tea was being spilt about him was Min Jji so in her defense she didn’t know / know better.

I enjoyed the panelist reactions this season (I feel like Dex was a good addition) but I feel like they became a bit side tracked and dim witted as soon as the season was coming to an end. Idk if they’re slow or what but it was so obvious (to me at least) how this would end.

Hyeseon finally got the courage to confront / tame Gwanhee as people were going on and on about and put him in his place making him reflect on his actions towards her and confront how he really felt from day 1 to day 9. I think it’s sad and ridiculous she had to really be doing all this and essentially telling him to pick someone else to wake up and realize he was losing her when she said “I’m done trying.” This man could not be any dumber. After all this time he still hadn’t figured out who he liked more even though he spent ample time with both Min Ji and Hyeseon.

I believe Hyeseon is at fault too. In the 1st episode during their trip to paradise, Gwanhee was ready to commit to her but she told him that she would prefer that he wait to choose her and instead spend time getting to know everyone else before making his decision. So can she really blame Gwanhee for being confused? She should have been clear about what she wanted because he fulfilled her request exactly, and at the very end she became upset and hurt. Tbh, she just seemed foolish confronting him about it.

And don’t get me wrong but nobody could ever make me hate Minji. She was a product of her circumstances. There weren’t many options because Minyoung decided to play gatekeeper and make her feel uncomfortable for even breathing near Jinseok. Minyoung's behavior was nasty and she just pissed me off after acting like she wasn't interested in Jinseok as anything other than a BROTHER then when Minji came she felt threatened and started showing interest in him? Idc... I won't forget and I still think Jinseok deserves so much better. Minji got her message and she backed off almost immediately. She thought they were a solid couple and she was getting in between so she had to shift to getting to know Gwanhee instead. Time was short and she had to make up for it because she was a late addition. I see nothing wrong with her trusting her gut and trying to make the most out of her time there because again, this is a dating program and that’s what they were there to do.

Minji’s conversations with Gwanhee as well as her night in paradise with him changed and clarified a lot. I thought they had good chemistry and could see the potential between them up until Gwanhee ignored her on the helicopter because he was mad at her. He was so petty then but I also think she could’ve maybe found a better time to try and talk to him, nevertheless him flat out lying and saying he didn't know she was crying was bs. WHY WOULD HE LIE AND HE WAS CAUGHT GLANCING AT HER IN 4K?!

She basically put all her faith in their connection and was ready to choose him. I mean for crying out loud she wrote a note saying “you’re the only one for me” and he still did not get it and doubted her feelings? LIKE WHATS NOT CLICKING?!

I wish Minji had been able to build her relationship with Jinseok (the greenest flag ever) instead of ever getting tangled with Gwanhee but that’s not the way things ended up. Instead she was led on by Gwanhee to believe she stood a chance after their final conversation where he comforted her and offered her tissues when she was crying. She literally thought he would finally feel her sincerity she thought he'd pick her. I honestly understand her confusion because from her point of view things were good between them. Idk why people keep on dragging her when she literally was left in the dark the whole time by everyone because she was a late addition.

Also side note but I think the hate Minji is getting daily on her instagram is unnecessary and people literally need to get lives instead of trying to whore shame her and call her “pick me” etc. Can’t ppl have minds of their owns and formulate a new opinion instead of just rewriting the same shit over and over again? The ppl posting those things are worse than her because at least she was able to go on this show and have confidence to follow her feelings and not back down till the end. She did what she was brought in to do – shake things up and create drama. Quite frankly without her the show would’ve been even more predictable and BORING ntm ppl would barely have anything to talk about. All these pathetic individuals hiding behind a screen and trying to bully her into committing suicide are actually weird and I hope they seek help.

I stand by the fact that Gwanhee will forever be the villain of his own story every time. He self sabotages so much and it’s clear he has some kind of abandonment issues which is why he cried when he finally realized that he fucked up with Hye Seon and she might not end up choosing him because of how much of a loser and conniving two timer he was being with her. He was so so so reckless with her feelings as well as the others.

Oh and Hajeong my goodness was she done dirty by him too! The way the instantly hit it off and had a good banter thing going until she too grew tired of his games and confronted him. The only difference is she came on super strong would not back down, did not take a kind tone and Gwanhee was offended / so but hurt that he immediately lost feelings almost as quickly as he had gained them. The way he avoided her after that was so cheap of him and I won’t stop saying it. The way he beat around the bush and tried to put all the blame on her was also insane. The way she succumbed to his mind games and eventually ended up apologizing to him even though she was literally right about his behavior and treatment of her was absolutely so telling. Gwanhee runs away when the going gets tough. He’s very immature and cannot handle when his potential partner / partner is not coddling him and sparing his feelings. I swear to God idk when this man will grow up. I’m so much younger than him, more mature and clearly have more sense than him.

Yes Hajeong realized her worth early on but at what cost? The fact that Gwanhee caused her to become more dejected / depressed with his rejection was so unfair. Had he spoken up sooner she wouldn’t have wasted time on him hoping things would eventually work themselves out that and he’d circle back to her… maybe she would bc love is blind and she was delulu for him but I feel like had he shut her hopes down from earlier on she could’ve tried to move on with someone else. Idc that he told her on the day before the finale that he “loved” her. That was again another cheap move and another manipulation tactic in the hopes that she wouldn’t choose him anymore and feel somewhat better after being flat out rejected by him. I see right through that man and nobody can tell me that he wasn’t just doing all that and trying to be extra nice on the last day to clear his conscience and make himself look more worthy to the audience watching. NEXT! His behavior is so juvenile and in poor taste. Again, I feel sorry for all the women who fell for him and liked him in any capacity.

Needless to say Gwanhee is a total player / fuckboy and had the experience and ability to manipulate them and make them feel special then take it all away when they were no longer feeding him / his ego. He just felt pity towards Hyeseon and wanted to smooth things over which is why he picked her in the end. But had she stood firm and not cried / forgiven him so easily I don’t think he would’ve left the inferno such a happy man. See if I were Hyeseon I would’ve chosen Wonik just to piss him off and give him a taste of his own medicine. I forever stand on the fact that Gwanhee deserves nothing if anything he deserved to leave the inferno ALONE. But again, he was primary entertainment for most. People overhype and dickride him so much they are too blind to see beyond his facade. Yes he was self aware one time where he told the camera crew he was entirely the problem but it still doesn’t make up for his actions and all the people he ended up hurting along the way. For me actions speak louder than words and Gwanhee was seems like a bad person. Him trying to do damage control at the eleventh hour spoke volumes and I could see right through his schemes.

Gyuri annoyed me with the confronting Minwoo incident. It was literally like watching the pot call the kettle black. Everyone and their grandmother could see Minwoo was interested in Sieun from day 1 and that they just kept on missing their timing. Her comparing him to Gwanhee was so uncalled for. Just because she was hurt and her ego bruised by his rejection, it did not give her the right to go off on him the way she did. I don’t think she was thinking and her laughter was so off putting and offensive. They were having a serious discussion and it was like she was laughing him to scorn and mocking him just because he was younger than her. It’s like she was saying fine you wanna be with Sieun go be with Sieun — people thought she girl bossed that moment but she just showed her true colors when things don’t go her way and she doesn’t get the outcome she desires she retaliates and shows people the worst possible side of her.

What gets me is this show is just so unserious like she was supposed to be allowed to weigh her options between Minkyu and Minwoo but Minwoo wasn’t allowed to do the EXACT same?! Make it make sense. Also why was she behaving like that over a man she just met a couple days ago. It was just giving unserious because like girl STAND UP. Him not choosing you wasn’t the end of the world worse you were eager to be rude to him and belittle him just because you’re older and thought you were better than him? Please– I feel like she could’ve tried to understand him and at the very least respect his decision. The fact that they’re on a dating show and she knew exactly what she signed up for yet was behaving like this just because she did not get her way was just distasteful. She crossed all the lines and made the atmosphere tense even when Sieun came in and requested to talk to him and when she took the mic off herself. At that point she should’ve self eliminated if she really felt like there were no other options for her. The way she spoke to the camera people about Minkyu acting like he was just some secondary option and she shouldn’t have to choose him just because he liked her was insane. Minkyu kept choosing her from day one but she was too caught up in Min Woo that she failed to see his sincerity. Instead of completely throwing him to the side and pursing Min Woo she could’ve gotten to know him better but she didn’t. It’s so sad and I genuinely think Minkyu deserved better. Watching that back I’m sure he probably just felt like a second choice.

I don’t have much to say about Habin because he was annoying and only they're for free vacation lol. He got such a huge opportunity to try and get to know Ha Jeong and figure out his feelings and he completely wasted it. That man is too caught up in his head to the point that he overthinks everything and that definitely was his downfall. He was far too interested in the drama between the other contestants and constantly acting like a damn clown instead of trying to focus on himself.

Won Ik was another person I just found shady and insincere at moments. You could see how hard it was for Sieun to keep pretending around him every time he’d try to get to know her and ask her to paradise. The way she cried when she was forced to go broke my heart. Plus on top of that he gave weird vibes like he was enjoying her disdain because he was glad she wasn’t here with Min w\Woo. Won Ik was Min Woo’s biggest operative but in the end his plan to separate them failed. Even with the bad timing of it all somehow Sieun and Min Woo got to talk to each other and tried their hardest to make each moment no matter how little or insignificant it was count while they were in the inferno. Honestly I think this couple should be admired for their hard work. It just goes to show that with communication, transparency and trust you can go a long way. I feel like Gwanhee and many of the other contestants can take a leaf out of their books and actually try to learn something instead of beating around the bush and behaving childish.

IT’S 2024 PEOPLE BEING NONCHALANT IS OUT. VULNERABILITY IS IN. TELL PEOPLE HOW YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FEEL IT. STOP PLAYING GAMES. PEOPLE ARE FAR TOO GROWN FOR THIS PETTY BS... ESPECIALLY ON A DATING SHOW WHERE THE TIME IS SHORT AND THEY’RE ONLY THERE FOR 9 DAYS!

Would I rewatch this train wreck? Immediately no. I’m the type of person who watches something once and has it engrained in my brain forever. I won’t stop saying it but the internal misogyny of some of these commenters / fans speaks volumes and I care not to interact with those who want to defend men like Gwanhee.

I’m gonna try as hard as possible to forget this season because it infuriated me so much. Love Catcher and Transit love are so much better than this. I am not interested if this show has a S4. I feel 3 seasons were enough for me and I could practically write the script on this show by now.
_____________________________________________

Couples: Minyoung x Jinseok, Minwoo x Sieun, Gyuri x Minkyu, Hyeseon x Gwanhee

Single + Choices: Hajeong → Gwanhee, Minji → Gwanhee, Habin → Hajeong, Wonik → Sieun

_____________________________________________

IN SUMMARY :

Fuck Gwanhee. The truth hurts, but everyone needs to hear it! I need these ladies need to stand up! (by this I mean stop taking back what they said / apologizing to spare his feelings!) The competitors should learn how to manage rejection and articulate themselves without being obnoxious. The best couple – Si Eun and Min Woo, proved to everyone that falling in love doesn't require a trip to paradise or knowledge about ages and professions. Since communication and honesty were central to their relationship, they were able to establish a good rapport. To be honest, I was exhausted from watching, and I felt that some fans were going too far in their hate and over-hyping of their faves. Regarding GH, from what I've seen, I don't like him, and I wouldn't want to know / associate with someone like him in real life. Even at his big age he still has room to grow BUT it will be up to him to make those changes moving forward (w/ therapy ofc!) Ultimately, it's only a 9 reality TV show, so it's hard to assess people based simply on that.

All in all I would give this show less but I decided on a 4/10 because there was barely anyone I liked this season.

In my opinion S1 > S2 > S3

I’m sure people disagree with me but again you’re entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.

_____________________________________________

Anywho, don’t let this review discourage you if you’re interested in watching. Just because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean you won't, you have to watch and come to your own conclusions. But if you are a mature person you will get tired of Gwanhee’s games.

Happy watching!

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Completed
Extraordinary You
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Tugs at the heart

This starts off as a send up of Boys Over Flowers. There's the poor scholarship girl at a prestigious private school who is bullied. F4 is now A3. There's even a guy who sheds a tear while playing his violin in public spaces.

But then the students at Seuli High School start to figure out that they are characters in a graphic novel. A writer controls what they say or do. Most of them are horrified when they learn they aren't even one of the main characters. That's when this parody of K-drama rom-coms turns into a bittersweet reflection on fate, memory, and autonomy.

Extraordinary You made me giggle, and it made me cry, which doesn't happen too often.

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Completed
Only Friends
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Started off great. What went wrong?

The first half of this show was really great! Fleshed out, complex characters were introduced with a wide variety of storylines that made for an interesting watch. The characters were authentically queer and messy, with really fantastic acting coming from everybody. Every character has some pretty serious flaws, and to be honest it looked like everybody was going to hate each other by the time the show was over. I was not expecting a traditional happy ending for most if any of these characters, but that's life! I came into this expecting that it would be messy and disastrous, that would have been a reasonable ending.

However, the last few episodes completely switched their tune. Of everybody in this show, the only characters that made any sense to give a happy ending to was Sand and Ray, with a possibility of Boston and Nick ending up in a successful open relationship. I'm the first to admit that I'm biased as this is the only show with ForceBook that I've ever been able to finish because I just don't enjoy their pairings, but Top and Mew were a disaster from the start and everybody could see that they were going to crash and burn before they even got together. But for some reason, instead of letting Mew go through with his revenge and have a true wild phase, he ends up getting back together with Top??? It made zero sense with the original plot and came across as something that was changed halfway through to appease the fans.

The treatment of Boston and his shitty ending also seemed to come out of nowhere. Initially, it seemed that this show was going to challenge the stigma around queer people who sleep around and don't choose the monogamous lifestyle with Boston's character. I truly thought that he was going to get a "happy" ending where he continues to live that life or has an open relationship. But instead we got whatever that was and a reinforcement of the idea that the only way to truly be happy is to settle for a monogamous relationship. There were plenty of characters done wrong by this change in narrative, but personally I was most disappointed with Boston's treatment.

Really great acting from the cast in this though! Khaotung has proven himself as a very capable and compelling actor before, but he really did an AMAZING job as Ray in this. First also did a great job as Sand, and together the two of them played very well off of each other to create a really tangible dynamic. Neo got a chance to step outside of the roles he's been cast in for the last few GMMTV shows, and his acting really stood out here.

Overall, there's a lot of really talented actors in this who got to shine during the first half of the series, I just wished they had went with a different ending.

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Completed
Sword and Fairy
8 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Sword and Fairy 6 I am really enjoying watching this drama

Sword and Fairy 6 is the first Chinese Paladin drama I have ever watched and I have to say I am really impressed so far with the storyline. The chemistry between Xu Kai and Queens Esther Yu IMO is on fire ?. And Xu Kai actually has multiple roles in this drama. I love how the drama can be serious and then very funny in other parts . The fight scenes have been really good as well. If you the love the Chinese Paladin game franchise you will enjoy this drama. As I believe the characters are pretty to close to the game. 100% worth watching
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Completed
Twins
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Hot Actors Mediorce Writing Missed Opportunities

Okay first let me say I liked the concept. The actors were pretty decent but the story was all over the place. Frame is a new actor but I think he managed to give Zee and Sprite a different attitude that they seemed different enough.

While Sprite had a goofy smile seemingly happy go lucky, Zee was always mean mugging and so cold and hateful except with Salmon.

It seemed they totally abused First as Sprite allowed Zee to continue to crush First' sprit. I loved First he was so soft and loving even when angry. I think First loved Zee even though Zee treated him like crap. So when Zee changed First was immediately into him even though it was Sprite.

I wish to have seen First in a room with both twins. One madly in love with him, the other that hated him. But this was a cliche BL but props to the actors foe pulling it off.

I hope to see Ryan (First) again. Although he also appears in FOR HIM. Same for Frame (Sprite/Zee) get this man a good BL and a good director and he will soar.

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Dropped 11/29
Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
11 of 29 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 3.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 4.5
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

Dumpster fire

Season 1 left off on a positive note with a promise of a lot of future character development. Unfortunately, season 2 did not develop said development.

Niao Niao (NN) was portrayed as an abused and neglected teenager who learned how to navigate life with her intelligence and ingenuity. Unfortunately, this intelligence and ingenuity was left in season 1. In season 2, we didn't actually see the thought process behind her ingenuity. She liked to build things. But we never saw her build anything. We only saw the finished product. On look, she built a small cross bow. Oh look, she can do a deep tissue massage. Oh look, she can improve farming equipment. What? How? We never saw her learn how to do anything. For someone who did not actually enjoy learning, it remains a mystery how NN achieved these tremendous heights.

When it came to character development, there was no character development moving forward. We knew NN was an intelligent and independent free thinker. But, there was nothing intelligent about her in this season. She was actually quite self-absorbed. Ling Buyi was a total package. He had the power and influence. He was a warrior general in charge of an army. And he was head over heels in love with her. She was previously concerned about missing out on a good husband, yet her bitching about him supposedly "oppressing" her because he cared too much was legendary. He was a bit too over-protective but he did nothing in bad faith. She agreed to marry him and then told him to his face that she wanted him out because he kept giving her unsolicited advice. Apparently, for someone who cared about boundaries, having a conversation about setting boundaries was out of the question. I didn't even know why he was in love with her at that point. In season 1 she was intelligent, courageous, quick-thinking. In this season, she was stubborn, unreasonable, and self-absorbed. All the qualities that made her interesting were gone.

Instead of giving her the transformation she needed, the writers arbitrarily decided to give NN unearned princess treatment. She quickly became the new palace darling who could do no wrong. Everything she said was gold. Everything she cooked was delicious. Everything she made was awesome. Everything was handed to her without her making any effort to earn it. The most ridiculous thing was that her teenage wisdom was completely unquestioned. Basically NN: I am only 15, but let me teach you about life.

She stuck her nose into everything and always had something to say, which quickly became very annoying. When Ling Buyi asked her not to interfere in palace politics because it was literally bad for her health, she made it all about him trying to control her for the Nth time. The emperor and empress seemed to have replaced her parents, which was a stupid plot development because her entire character rested on the premise of her parents abandoning her. There were so many scenes where NN could reconcile with her parents, particularly her mother. For example, mom bringing her a blanket could've led to an honest heart-to-heart conversation. Instead, we got the usual scene where NN asked mom an uncomfortable question, mom looked away, NN walked off. Later on, the writers made her parents virtually non-existent. Her entire time at the palace was spent cozying up to the empress as her new mom, instead of receiving lessons and moving on with her life. Even the lessons were just a pretext to create more drama for the sake of drama, which contributed nothing to NN's character development. It would've been way more interesting to have her learn to navigate through conflict using her intelligence to outsmart her enemies, making friends and allies, and then winning using her brain. Instead, she either went to the emperor to complain or poured dirt on someone because she was "vindictive". Her vindictiveness made her look just as bitchy as those spoiled brats who bullied her in the first place.

NN's relationship with Ling Buyi was also very confusing. There was a very sweet moment at the empress' birthday party where she drank from the same cup as him because the wine tasted "better" that way, and then she gave him a kiss. They looked very much in love. But, as soon as he found out she was pushed into a lake, we were back to square one how he was oppressing her and how she was "afraid" of him ... because he wanted her to confide in him? The writers never made it clear why NN was afraid of him. He was always nice to her. And now apparently every bad thing that happened to her in the palace was his fault. Huh? "I've always been like this! Why must you force me to change?" How dare he ask her questions about being bullied. Seriously, who decided this was good character development? She was absolutely insufferable.

Yet, everyone loved her and she could do no wrong. The writers couldn't have made her more mary sue level boring together with her perpetually constipated looking fiancé with no personality. (And there was still no wedding date!) Even the freaken canning of Ling Buyi was instigated by the emperor to make NN finally act on her feelings for him. *barf* Everyone literally became an NN simp. Speaking of Ling Buyi, he had a whole of two expressions in the entire drama - constipated and more constipated. This was some of the worst acting I've seen in a c-drama. Even for a stoic, no nonsense character, there should've been times for him to inadvertently show emotion for a person he cared about.

This show had such tremendous potential, and it was completely wasted on martyrization of the main character, turning her into a perfect princess, while making everyone else continuously kiss her princessey arse without her actually deserving it. What a waste of time.

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Completed
My Demon
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Not bad but not good

It's an easy watch, no need to use your brain at all. Probably a good way to destress.

Plot
The writing is not amazing, but it's not so boring that I would drop it. As other reviews already mentioned, it's a mix-and-match of your favourite typical cliches. NOTHING AGAINST CLICHES, I like them.

Cast
Amazing visuals from the main cast, Song Kang and Yoojung, and they have amazing chemistry in my opinion (I mean what else can I say?) Acting is great.

Music
Amazing setlist omg, I would totally add the OSTs to my Spotify playlist. The opening theme is catchy and well. Tiktok speaks for itself.

Rewatch value
Rated it kinda high because I think it's really easy to just throw this on and enjoy it.

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Completed
Itaewon Class
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

This Changed my Perspective on Life

This show has changed my perspective on life. Never have I watched a show and felt truly changed after watching it, but Itaewon Class achieved that for me. Yes, this story is about revenge, but it's more than that, it's a story about a guy who has a goal and believes in it so strongly, that he will do anything in his power to achieve it. And while this premise is expected of a revenge tale, he works toward his goal by creating strong bonds of trust, friendship, reliability, and a sprinkle of stubbornness.

He is able to build and care for a community of friends who gather around him and support him because he returns the same care and consideration to them. He aspires for them to be better while also trusting their competence to improve. He recognizes a value in people who would otherwise be outcasted. And in that recognition, he is set so far apart from character leads in other K Dramas, and in TV in general.

He not once deviates from his ideals, values, and core essence. He, as a character is written to be very strong and focused. And Park Seo-Joon's portrayal is powerful, emotional, and real. He even inspires me to want to believe in him. I've watched so many revenge plot shows and I have never wanted a character to win as badly as I wanted him to. You can clearly tell he is a genuine character who deserves the validation of overcoming an enemy who did nothing but attempt to destroy his life. The pain he endured repeatedly was layered throughout and built up to a satisfying turning point for Sae-ro-yi in the 15th episode. The portrayal of Park Sae-ro-yi was heartfelt, emotional, and quite inspiring. That he was willing to study his opponent's success, compliment his rival's competency, and even show respect under fire...Park Sae-ro-yi is a world-class character with a heart of gold.

Jo Yi-Seo is another character who captured my heart. She stood for Sae-ro-yi from the moment she liked him and became such a great advocate for the ML and the people he loved. I loved her growth, her change from being a rude sociopath to a rude, but lovable manager. Her strength is in the love that she allows to completely change her and inspire her to improve the world around her. Her world, being DanBum pub, with Sae-ro-yi and the rest. She's an unforgettable character.

The cast works very together, great chemistry all around. The acting was convincing as well. I often found myself stressed, worried about what would happen next!

This is my first review I've left, but this show moved me so much, I needed to write this. I want to see more kdramas follow in their footsteps. .

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Completed
My Demon
1 people found this review helpful
by vivi
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

estou triste que acabou ?

eu amei cada detalhe desse drama, foi um misto de sentimentos que nem sei como colocar em palavras, só posso dizer que eu amo muito o guwon e a dohee e vou sentir muitas saudades deles.

foi incrível acompanhar o desenvolvimento deles ao longo das semanas, não sei o que vou fazer sem eles ?






































































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Completed
My Demon
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

In the name of darkness, let light prevail

Jan. 20, 2024

My Demon is definitely that kdrama to start this year of with. I know that this has been hyped up for a while due to the popularity of the casts. Needless to say, it is definitely worth the hype. It has a good mixture of cliches, vibrant of what a typical fantasy rom-com kdrama.

I know a lot of people are saying how the plot is not really a plot. And I definitely agree with that. This show is very light hearted and fluffy to digest. Even though there are darker themes shown and discussed, it is still easily taken over by the light hearted of the shown. The plot is very basic, and at times it can be predictable. However, no matter what critics might say, I definitely still love and will continue to rewatch this series. I think it has given me a good nostalgia ever if I rewatched it again as My Demon is on par with that season of really good kdrama in the last quarter of 2023 plus the first few months of 2024.
(I am referring to the fact that My Demon, Welcome to Sam dal-ri, Park's Marriage Contract, A good day to be a dog, Castaway, Doona, Vigilante, etc. are around the same time of airing. And this era of kdrama airtime is really that good. I always kept looking forward to them every single week).

As for what kept me hooked into the show, I am for sure that it is due to the execution of the cast rather than the plot. The casts of the series carried the show, especially in the latter part.

It is a happy ending, and I enjoyed the roller coaster ride of emotion My Demon has provided. There might be plot holes but it did not really bother me at all.

Cheers ?

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Completed
My Demon
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

WATCH IT OR NOT?!!?

mhmm I'll keep it short.

This was quite the Romance/Fantasy rollercoaster and I'm all for it!

Firstly I would like to point out that all actors were on point and this Drama was definitely up there from the OST to the Story especially the VISVUALS oof...

Great watch value for sure if you are looking for a Romantic drama with a basic but interesting Fantasy aspect such as "Deamon".

This is one of the dramas that actually end with the last episode resolving all the viewers questions as such making it just another great point to watch it if you hate bad/open endings.

Every episode keeps you hooked and maybe it will be a bad idea to watch it if you are short on time cause if it was fully aired when I watched the first ep I definitely would have binged it through!

If you are looking for something to make your days a bit more happy, from the visuals to the romance I would definitely recommend this Drama.

Well that's it for this short review, hope it was helpful.

EXTRA:
[Something that caught my eye was the Cap that said Deity was wearing changes form Goød(the second o is scratched out if you look) to Good at the end]

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