Reviews

Death's Game: An Overview

This show is genuinely the most heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, action-filled series I have watched in my entire life. I cried throughout the entirety of Episode 8 from start to finish. I was shocked by all the twists and the amount of plotlines that collide so nicely just makes it that much better.

From Episode 1 I was a bit like, hmm how is this gonna go, you have 12 characters to go through and the first 2 just got cast aside very quickly. Episode 2 was the first cry I had when he was Hyeok-su, not gonna lie I felt his character was just a shock one to throw in, seeing as the only real plotline it creates is the one with his Tae-sang reincarnation and Jin-sang, but when he saw his mom through Hyeok-su's mom I genuinely teared up so much.

The end of Episode 2 and the Ju-hun reincarnation was some of the best cinematography I've seen in a non-action movie. The intensity was just perfect considering how heartbreaking Hyeok-su's death was. Plus the way Ju-hun dies was such a gag, I had to pause the show and walk away because I did NOT see that one. Tae-sang's death was also pretty sad, but considering his intentions were to give the money to Tae-sang's mom, who we didn't have a connection with, it just didn't hit hard enough. I feel Tae-sang, Geon-u, Gyu-cheol, and Ji-hyeong's characters were all just for the Tae-u plot and to show Yee-jae's selfishness, but it was good for tying in future plot points near the end.

Episode 4, I was bawling my eyes out so much. It's incredibly sad to realize that this is a pretty common occurrence, maybe not the infanticide, but the abuse is. It was such a quick reincarnation but it was the one that was a lesson for Yee-jae for sure. Not being able to get out of the situation and being forced to just let it happen was so emotional and it's just a horrible thing to happen to anyone.

Also in that episode, when that fucking car hit them I SCREAMED. I was so fucking mad like Geon-u and Ji-su was the only reincarnation that I probably felt a connection to and I just really wanted him to live on much longer and have a life with Ji-su and THEN die. But the pen being a common motif later on in the story was just so wholesome and I'm happy the show ended the way that it did purely because of that fucking pen lol.

Episodes 6 and 7, are not really a lot if I'm honest. It was definitely the dud plotline which pissed me off because at the end of the storyline, it just wasn't necessary? Like, Death rewinds time at the end and so Tae-u would never have had those things happen, so he just carries on being a psychopathic killer (potentially)? So that was just action packed and omds Gyu-cheol's death actually made me squirm that's just fucking awful. Also, the speed they just killed off the 10th and 11th reincarnations made me giggle a bit.

Finally, Episode 10. For a full 40 minutes, I just had tears streaming down constantly. The cinematography, 10/10, the acting, 10/10, the story, 10/10, the emotional fucking-with, 10/10. Honestly, I would rewatch this entire series just to bawl my eyes out at this episode again. I called my mum straight after and told her I loved her it's changed me as a person. If you're thinking of not watching this show because it looks boring or from what I've said you don't like it, it's so worth it for this ending. Plus the final shot of the text right before the credits made me kinda spooked out like, yeah, there is ONLY one of me in this world.

Overall, I rarely think a show is an overall 10/10, but even with episodes 6 and 7 they were still amazing just not in comparison with the rest of them. I think everybody should give this a watch, it's so enjoyable and so worth like 6 hours of my life.

(PS: My fav shot is when he visits the Columbarium as his mom and then it shows his memory of her and there's the parallel shot in the glass of him as if he was standing on the other side of the columbarium. Ugh it was so perfect in a satisfying mirror way.)

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MUST WATCH SERIES

Definitely an amazing drama to keep you awake all night . I literally watched it's first 4 eps of season 1 and when i checked for the next ones omg i literally could wait to watch it. Of course the cast is amazing but their acting took the the next level.
No matter how small or big their role was but it was great to see them in this drama. Personally , i liked the drama although their was something missing in the ending overall it is an 9/10 drama.

Though the last two episodes were drilling on the same message - suicide is a selfish act, it's not about you, you should keep on suffering for the sake of others. The only insightful part was about a suicidal salary man, who basically started the chain of events that lead ML to his own suicide


The narrative is so tightly packed that every death has a significant contribution to the story even the ones that seemingly exist in almost parallel worlds are connected to ease and perfection.

This drama does make you rethink about all you are and all you have, it makes you grateful and aware of the true miracles that god has given all of us!

I might have more to say about it later but for now I just hope whoever is reading this review does watch the drama and spares a minute to think about all the tiny miracles that surround.

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One of the most endearing romance drama from TVB

I can't help but compliment the innovative storyline and script of this drama. Not since AI Romantic (2021) did i come across a TVB drama that left me sleepless after its final episode. It literally just broke my heart to see Crystal Fung crying her hearts out when Karl rejected her in the very last episode. But it does come with many real life applications and teaching moment i believe the director/script writer would have wanted us to take back.

1. Individuality matters in a Relationship.
No one is perfect. It is your unique you that matters to your future/current spouse. It is various imperfections that make the relationship or marriage "interesting". It is your uniqueness that your spouse is/was attracted to you in the first place. This show is a good reminder to this. Even when Crystal was the perfect girlfriend for Karl for the many past episodes, but when she reveals she's not the original Hailey, Karl was flabbergasted and without batting an eyelid, walked away from her.

2. Someone's meat, is the other person's poison.
You can do so much in a relationship, but if the timing isn't right, or that your chemistry just could not click or match your spouse/the other half, it is best to just walk away at this juncture. Relationship is alot on timing and especially communication.

3, Every relationship has its kinks and imperfections.
Every relationship has its highs and lows. It is common for one to quarrel and argue, even in marriage. But end of the day, it is up to the maturity of the couple to work it out. It is far too easy to just walk away. You have to make it work, especially once you are married.

Nonetheless, coming back to the drama, i do find the ending a sad one. But to be objective, you have to be fair to the other Hailey who was stuck in the other dimension. I do also believe the ending is a happy one where the original Hailey came back to Karl. The only sad thing is the other Hailey who sacrificed so much for this Karl for the last 14 episodes. Then again, she has to own up to her mistakes and possibly pay for her recklessness as she was the one who actually caused the death of her own bf Karl in her own dimension.

Overall, a good TVB drama, and kudos to the originality of the script! Love the acting of Crystal Fung and Karl!!

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Nice show

Nice show.

With YJ, the bizzarre thing is that I had more questions about her behavior and doubts about the sincerity and timing of her apology that apparently HS had, given that he called her out on very little of it, and even then dropped the matter afterwards. On one hand, the claim that she is sorry and loves him, on the other hand, the timing of the apology (now that she has broken up with DK and wants to get back to HS after not a word for two years... had things gone different with DK would HS never heard from her again? No apology or anything of the sort?

Seems a little suspicious in terms of the timing that she would suddenly discover she feels enough regret that she wants to apologize, right after she and DK broke up and she wants to get back with HS. But the irritating thing is that we are not given critical information such as whether she did leave DK because she was in love with HS. But then again, this is a different question from her feeling the need to apologize to HS... I would have feeling guilt eat away at me in an intolerable manner if I had deceived my partner of almost ten years that I know loves me completely, it wouldn't have come two years later (it's even unclear whether she knew he was aware of the more than year long deception when she asked him to take her back, and if she knew he was not it would be frankly an appalling information to withhold, but again, maybe she didn't hide it from him, we are simply not told).

I mean, not a word in two years, and suddenly she is both apologizing and asking to get back together? What is going on? Is she feeling sorry because she wants HS back, and wouldn't have felt the need to apologize otherwise? She apparently didn't provide such an apology, nor any other word, while she was in NY with her lover for the past two years. It does all seem rather self serving and all too convenient, and in HS's case I would have more than a little trust issue and question for her. Not that the show provides much information for one to form a complete picture (we hear about a certain underwear model when she talks to DK and he asks about the musician, but it's not clear if it was DK's rebound after they broke up, we don't know why they broke up, specifically who broke up with who, though DK apparently has feelings for her and she does not for him, but apparently loves HS and want to get back to him instead, while HS's cousin basically puts it in a way that makes it seem like she has broken up with DK explicitly to get back with HS... but then again, apologizing for lying to HS for more than a year is something that should have been done years ago, and should have been independent from the question of whether she loved him or not, yet it's not even clear whether she knew HS knew, or whether she even come clean about the more than year long deception, though we know that he had discovered it was going on in the more than one year where she was seeing DK behind his back, so HS had discovered it beforehand in any case, at a time where she was still convinced she was successfully fooling him when she lied to his face every day... though I must say, the way she brushes that aside when he agonizingly brings it up does undercut her half uttered apology from the first episodes... again, as a viewer I was second guessing her more than HS did, and had far more question about the whole situation).

One horrific thing about the situation is that HS basically didn't hear a word from her for two years, and yet had to routinely hear about her romantic life with the guy she had been seeing behind his back for more than one year, before running off with said guy to NY, from the press. She is a celebrity, it's unavoidable.

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Captivating

Wow, what can I say? It's finally over. This show was very interesting to watch without too many over-the-top theatrics. I liked how everything tied in together in the end.

Things I wish would have happened/my only complaints (minor spoilers):

1. Development of YJJ and CSE's relationship. We got a lot of flashbacks but I still feel like more could have been done for the audience to grasp what led YJJ to want CSE back after he got divorced. Additionally, it would have been nice to have had more than 1 episode focused on them. They start getting closer and she becomes vulnerable and then bam, something happens towards the end of the episode that leads her to distrust him. Though the distrust is brief it is still unsatisfying.

2. The husband's obsession. It's not fully explained why he is so insistent on staying married to CSE. We can make assumptions based on what is seen so far but I somehow wish that was explained further. It did need a lot of episodes but just even a flashback maybe or something that shows what exactly it is he's clinging to. Is it her prestige and the benefits of being her husband alone, or does she have some hidden wealth or is it a combination of that and some lingering feelings? I feel like we the audience are left speculating.

Aside from that, I think everything was well done. I won't say anything else because it will lead to major spoilers but if you are debating watching this, I think you should give it a go. It's great with a great, strong, and complex female lead.

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Just watch if you enjoy telenovelas

Usually, I don't comment, but I've noticed a lot of complaints, so I felt compelled to share my thoughts. For those who enjoy telenovelas, soap operas, or traditional Korean family dramas, this series is definitely worth watching. The actors are charming and add a lot to the show. However, the main issue lies with the scriptwriting. After the midpoint of the series, it seems like the writers lost direction. It appeared as if they were trying to fill a quota of episodes, leading to the story being unnecessarily dragged out. This excessive stretching detracted from the overall quality of the series. If the series had been condensed to just 10 to 12 episodes, it would likely have been much better received.

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Nice conflicts

Nice conflicts.

In terms of the sincerity of YJ's half uttered apology, one thing that I would very much like to know is whether it was meant for leaving him, or for lying to his face for more than a year and seeing DK behind his back. Was the the one that confessed it, or did he discover it on his own? I must say that if she asked him to take her back without telling him it would be pretty damning, in terms of deprieving him of the ability to make an informed decision.

Another aspect, of course, is why is she back now. She didn't call for two years, and now she is back and only now utters the apology. If she and DK had not broken up, would she have gone to HS and apologized? So her feeling sorry and apologizing depends on the success of her relationship with DK? Or did she decide that she was in love with HS and broke up with DK because of that (or did DK cheat with the underwear model?)? And if she was not in love with HS, does that mean that she shouldn't come clean to him about the betrayal, or not apologize? Not that we know what happened. And does she regret the cheating? Or following DK to NY? She still says she run off with him because she was in love with him. Does she regret it now? Both or just the lying for more than one year part? And would she regret it had things worked out between her and DK?

All this makes it pretty difficult to gauge what she is feeling sorry for, exactly, and the fact that she is apologizing now that they have broken up, but didn't bother to say a word to HS for two whole years does make it pretty difficult to understand the sincerity and value of the half uttered apology. Her subsequent behaviour, even with respect to DK, does further call into question her feelings on the matter, because would someone that genuinely feels guilt about what they did to HS really diminish and mock his insecurities, or use DK to make HS jealous and threaten to leave him for DK again, or brush aside the pain of HS knowing about her seeing DK behind his back for more than a year, or throw in his face the fact that she left him because she loved DK and followed her heart, and he couldn't stop her even by begging, just like he couldn't stop her now, or make lights of her betrayal and HS's feelings towards DK with that horrible joke scene at the end, where he was forced to play along in half disbelief, which reminded me of the "jokes" they made around his attraction to FL?

In short, what is she sorry for, and would she be making this apology if she was still with DK? She didn't talk to HS in two years while they were together, after all. Not feeling sorry and/or not feeling the need to apologize until things were going well? Or to say a word to him for two years? Only discovering she felt sorry and wanted to apologize now that she wants a to rekindle the relationship with HS, and not even leading with that, not touching upon the topic after the half uttered apology when he had already let his in the house? A sincere apology would have related to her lack of honesty (and she would have come clean about it certainly before asking HS to take her back, not that I am asserting she did not as we are not told), and would have been independent from whether things with DK went well or she wanted to be with HS again, and it should have probably happened two years ago, not now that she and DK have broken up and she wants to get back with HS. I mean, no to appear too skeptical of her sincerity, because we know very little about the circumstances (and I wish the should would have elaborated) and we don't even know why she broke up with DK (maybe because she felt she wanted HS instead? And contrary to what she did to HS, she didn't want to deceive DK for some reason, so he extended him a courtesy she didn't extend to HS for more than a year?), but her not saying a word to HS and then coming back with a half uttered apology two years later when she wants him back does seem more than a little self serving.

Frankly, I felt the same way I felt with the wife in My Mister... where basically the apology happened only when things with her lover didn't pan out and she learned that DH had discovered her betrayal. Had none of those things happened, there would have been no regret/apology. Same thing for This Week My Wife Is having an Affair's case, honestly, where it felt perfunctory and too little too late. They felt similarly self serving.

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a cute drama with common sense

awwww i loved this show. all the characters were loveable and not annoying. the girl worked really hard. even her mom worked hard. conflicts weren't blown out of proportion and i actually enjoyed allot of the business moments. This show it really underrated. Short and sweet. the second couple were pretty cute too.

Basically all the characters acted really rationally and kind during rejections, new information, even in bad situations. She's described as a rich girl in the synopsis but she doesn't act entitled, overspend money or do anything to deny her new situation. she gets right into living her new life and tries her best. the main guy is also new to his job and although a bit reluctant at first, pretty quickly takes on his responsibility.

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The reveals are worth it even for someone who had read a significant spoiler prior

I've watched a few of the same themed Korean dramas. At no point do I feel Lee Seung Gi is acting a part. Where I often commend actors at the exact moment that I am moved by their interpretation, Lee Seung Gi's acting is immersive that I forget it's a drama. The feeling of it being very natural is primarily the reason I want to give the show the highest rating.

I've watched a few detective-themed Korean shows as well and I must say Mouse has the best utilized team. There is always a character of a cool chief, the slightly clueless but useful sidekick, the rat, the dependable detective, the rival, the ex partners, the detective that crosses between good and evil, with compelling reason. The cast are memorable and even though they fulfill the said character roles, their acting doesn't lean on cliché exaggeration.

Onto the more faulty parts -

The storytelling comes to an abrupt disconnect in the middle. From a cohesive narrative episode by episode it's as though an unrelated arc is suddenly introduced. That wouldn't have been a problem if presented more smoothly.

I am also not a fan of the scientific fiction but I give merit to the idea. I'll leave the morality discussion to those who are interested.

From the reviews across platforms, I've noticed the mother isn't criticized enough. She is more concerned about assuming the sin for the son rather than feeling sorry for the circumstance she maneuvers that allows him, them, to turn out the way they have. The pd lady is another character with useless lines. Aside from her program being too convenient for the plot, she poses herself as a significant character with moments of taunting the "father of all psychopaths" in the show but actually doesn't do sht -- and I'm glad it is other two characters who actually are given essential parts in the end in relation to the main character.

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A fresh and thrilling tale against demons.

It's as much of a hit as I expected. To start with, the music (both modern and traditional, just like the drama itself), the costumes, the special effects and the fights, the landscapes and settings (the snowy territories especially, what a pleasure), the demons, my dream has literally come true in a drama. I also love the concept which is very video game-like. It felt like watching an anime too, no wonder it's based on a donghua and web novel (there's even a mobile game and a movie).

Speaking of the special effects, I was expecting anything but this, especially in view of the criticisms of this aspect? It looks even better than in the trailer. It's quality and I've clearly seen worse, forced criticism as usual... The fights were also superbly filmed and choreographed. Obviously, this isn't a drama with huge production value either, but I was fascinated most of the time. Xu Kai is way too cool and his mastery of the spear is impeccable, I can't even imagine how much he had to train.

The story isn't original, yet it's pure pleasure (and I've never seen that in a drama, so it's even cooler), it's always dynamic and I've never been bored. It's typically the kind of story I used to enjoy when I was younger, and frankly, it's refreshing. Some people thought it was cringe-worthy while it's just epic, too bad for them lol.

The drama delicately alternates between sweet moments, drama, action... The story developped very well and was very captivating to my taste. As you can imagine, the theme of evil demons versus good humans and the hero becoming all-powerful is far from complex. Nevertheless, I'm glad the drama brought a modicum of nuance. In addition, I loved the diversity of the characters.

Side notes:
- Overall it is not a drama high in emotions with amazing relationships and character development. It is pretty simple in every aspect. Indeed, it is far from an intelligent drama for a mature audience. Still a great and fun drama because it did what it was supposed to do perfectly.

I write this review because it is deserved and especially because there isn't any that really talks about it as it is, appreciating it for what it is and highlighting what's good about it, how, why and for who.

To the people who claim the romance is bad: Tension is not the only form of chemistry, romance doesn't have to be intense. Sometimes romance is a sweet and subtle thing that can be built upon.

If everything about Snow Eagle Lord gets you hooked from the first episodes just like me, and not only Xu Kai, you will have a lot of fun and be able to enjoy the ride. Besides, we never really see him less as some people states here, maybe for a few little parts but it wasn't for no reason. He is, however, the character we see the most, and certainly the most important. Yes, there are a lot of characters. Unfortunately those people are forcing themselves to watch it for him and are not into the drama, so that's just another nonsensical statement.

Snow Eagle Lord, albeit underrated is now my first hit from this genre and I loved everything about it. I couldn't just sit down and watch it get so much hate. Thank you for reading me! I'm glad if my review helped and I'm even happier if it helps you finding your new gem.

P.S: A message to those relying on douban's ratings. Cnetizens are able to lower a drama's rating to a 1/10 by creating thousands of bots for the dumbest reasons, and trust me, they are horrible. Even MDL is much better in comparison.

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Recommended for a quick dose of feel-good vibes.

"Suiyobi 22-ji dake no Kare" is like a warm, comforting hug in the form of a Japanese drama. In this delightful six-episode series, each only lasting five minutes, we're invited into the world of Natsumi and Haruto, two characters who manage to create a heartwarming tale despite the brevity.

Picture this: a college girl named Natsumi, hesitant about love, accidentally finds herself becoming the source of comfort for Haruto, a guy with insomnia. He has a quirky habit of celebrating random days like "orange day" or "dog day," making each episode a charming adventure into his eccentric world.

The actors may not deliver award-winning performances, but their chemistry is undeniable, infusing the narrative with genuine sweetness. The storytelling is both repetitive and fresh, a clever dance that keeps you engaged. Natsumi's internal monologues are relatable and add a touch of humor to the mix.

What elevates the drama is its cinematography. The warm autumn tones and slow, smooth shots create an inviting atmosphere, like flipping through a cozy photo album. It's a visual treat that complements the fuzzy, homey, and wholesome feel of the story.

"Suiyobi 22-ji dake no Kare" is that short, feel-good series you can finish in one sitting. If you're in the mood for a quick burst of romance and quirkiness, this is a delightful pick.

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Great concept - Binged it - Rewatch? Yes.,..but,

Spoilers - but, maybe it will help you follow and figure it out.

Binged this because there was enough detail to make this an interesting and compelling series. But, with the choices made by the writers/director - it created issues that will have you reaching for the fast forward button - often.

With any time travel story - you will have issues. People still argue the existence of the pocket watch in Somewhere In Time (a movie you see on the shelf at the DVD store in this series). Where did the watch come from - originally - if the person from the past gets it from the person from the future but, the person from the future got it from the person from the past - in the present? See what I mean?

We see the DVD store owner becomes integral to the story. He initiates the contact and allows it to unfold - each time (three times). He is always there for guidance - a wonderful mentor/guide. He even makes a decision when the characters finally get it right.

Here's the issue...because we have been fed so much information, when the story moves through the second phase - we already know the outcome - there are almost entire episodes that are a waste of your time. Does it really matter that we get to see their relationship develop when we know the outcome? And, while I understand a time traveler choosing a moment - why wait until a week before the event to make an appearance? Love and sacrifice are already established and understood.

I would have preferred to see where Ongsa went before Suansoon rejoins the present than to see the relationship develop - in detail - the second time (a given that could have been handled with references and a few flashbacks). Create a story where we want to follow what everyone is doing. Not waiting while they have their five minute stares at each other while the soundtrack plays.

Spend less time in phase two and expand phase three/the end. I loved how every character realized that they went through this before but, couldn't quite put their finger on it. Let's see more of that.

I really liked this series for going so deeply into a thought/story that others have not gone before. Would love to see this done by the Koreans with their larger budgets and stronger writers.

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Those idiots that gave this drama rating 10 read this

This is the worst drama I've watched, the storyline is totally ridiculous illogical flow. Is the screenwriter sleeping in his job? The flaws in the storyline are seen on every episodes with inconsistent character and storytelling development.
When you're involved in death situations, would you be indecisive? The world is at turmoil, but these clans are indecisive even though they're being attack. They're wiped out by enemy they knew coming, but the screenwriter choose to keep a blind eye on the story development, which led the illogical reasoning on the clans demise. Is it logic? Those idiots that gave this drama rating 10, did you even watch this? Or perhaps you're supporting this drama because of your favorite actors and actresses.
My main complaints on this drama are the director and screenwriter didn't do their job well. How could you not seeing the illogical flow of storyline on the screen? It would have been a good drama if the director and screenwriter developed the story with attention and passion.

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LOVE THE STORY, and also the chemistry of nana dan jang dong yoon

I will start this review from the story, this drama has unique plot twist about the past of two main chatacters and the murder, The chemistry from nana and jang dong yoon is in onother level I laugh a lot cry a lot,
Nana as Oh Baek-Ryeon who works at an animal clinic is a pretty woman and also strong woman bacause she is not dating anyone, and she badly wants to meet a man of fate.
The cinematic is so cool making this drama more and more unbelivable I think this drama would be the best drama of jang dong yoon that i ever seen,
This drama should have more and more viewers

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