Reviews

bad from the very beginning...don't bother

From the very beginning, seeing the type of camara quality they had, I knew something was up.

To sum it up, I felt this was meant for 13 year olds.
"Pretty" faces are not enough to make it worth watching.

It was dull, uninteresting and had some pretty bad acting from the main lead. I don't know if it's his line delivery or what, but it feels awkward and unnatural, more so when he's delivering a "joke". The female lead was great as always and she suits the comedic style much better than the ML, but it wasn't enough to salvage the series. The story was so boring, there was nothing to keep me going except my conviction that a project with such popular actors 'must' be good. Alas I was wrong.

I was struggling so much to keep going that I decided to stop. There are so many other dramas that are out right now that deserve my attention (Welcome to Samdalri, Tell me that you love me, and Flowers in sand).

Bad plot, bad acting, bad production quality. Better just watch a quality classic instead.

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A gay romance with fantastic touches and the whitewashing of the homophobic Thai Police

The Sign is a captivating drama that stands out among other BLs for its ability to balance multiple stories and themes. Broadcast on Channel 3, this production by renowned Thai director and screenwriter A Natthaphong Wongkaweepairod, perfectly intertwines elements of gay romance, the complexity of first love, religiosity, the exciting world of fantasy, the supernatural, the resolution of crimes and political and police corruption.
This unique combination of genres, its compelling narrative, the pair of irresistible protagonists and a direct story of love-overcomes-adversity, guarantees that 'The Sign' will hit the mark among fans of BL products, always in search of a series that show an engaging and exciting experience. All this positions the audiovisual among the most outstanding in the BL universe of all time.
Professional critics and fans alike praise its emotional depth and the cast's sincere performances.
Its director has to his credit the dramas 'My Hero Series: Spell of The Swan Mark', from 2018; 'School Tales The Series', 2022; and the lesbian 'GAP The Series', from 2022, and 'Dream', to be released in 2024. In addition to directing, he is also the screenwriter of the serial 'Lipgloss Spy' and the film SLR', both from 2022.
Based on the great success of 'GAP The Series', its first GL series, the Idol Factory company put all its effort into producing a BL criminal investigation project. This is how 'The Sign' comes about. The series is a television adaptation of I-Rain-Yia's novel of the same name, with a literal translation into English, Premonition, which was produced by Saint Suppapong of 'Love By Chance' and 'Why RU?'.
Billy Patchanon, star of 'Secret Crush On You' and 'War Of Y', and promising actor Babe Tanatat, are in charge of taking on the main roles. I have no doubt that both because of their on-screen chemistry and their genuine performances, the two young actors will consolidate themselves as a ship within the BL universe.
The story centers on two young people who loved each other for centuries and were separated in several past lives, but in a twist of fate they were reincarnated as Phaya o Sakuna (Billy Patchanon Ounsa-ard) and Tharn Wansa (Babe Tanatat Phanviriyakool). This allowed them to meet at an academy where future police officers are trained, in order to enter the Investigation Detective Force (IDF).
During their training, they both experience unique visions related to their pasts and common future, which ignites their romance as they embark on the investigation of some criminal cases shrouded in mystery. Phaya and Tharn's love will be tested by an enigmatic man.
Other talented actors and actresses bring the characters to life in a way that has resonated with audiences.

Brief characterization of the characters

Tharn: He is the cheerful and kind young officer of the IDF. He loves Phaya, with whom he has a romance from the past. That is why he constantly risks his life to save him from the danger he is in. He has a strong sense of "instinct."
Phaya: He is the young, handsome, intelligent, cool and upright IDF officer. Love Tharn.
Khem (Tack Pongsakorn) is the young officer who has a flirtatious personality, likes to have fun and plays with all the other IDF members, especially his boyfriend Thongtai.
Thongtai (Poom Natthapas): Khem's boyfriend. He studied psychology and has a good sense of duty. He is a very observant young officer.
Yai (Gap Jakarin) grew up alongside Tharn since childhood. They both consider themselves brothers. He is a young member of IDF.
Singha (Surprise Pittikorn Siripornsawan) looks weak on the outside but is the brains of the team.
Doctor Chalotorn (Heng Asavarid) an attractive psychiatrist who is close and protective of Tharn.
Captain "Akk" Akkhanee Assawawaisoon (Akk Akarat Nimitchai), leader of the investigation team.
Wansarat (Freen Sarocha Chankimha): The GAP The Series actress is part of the cast as a Guest.
The resounding success of the series has led to the creation of other content, such as The Sign Special and Behind the Sign.
A must-see drama for fans of the BL genre and those who enjoy a good mix of romance, mystery and the supernatural, The Sign brings a captivating story that, together with its talented cast and unique combination of genres, will leave a lasting impression on the spectators.

Underlying reality of the series

On the same day of the premiere of The Sign, after watching the first episode, I wrote in MDL: “I find it commendable that in a hostile, sexist, homophobic environment, which exalts masculinity, as the Police Force of any country is supposed to be, tell a story (maybe two, if we take into account Khem and Thongthai's relationship) of a romance between boys. But I wonder if this series is not a 'whitewash' for the Thai Police. I hope that the series is not a tool to apply cosmetic touches to a Police accused of repressing members of the Thai LGBTQIA community.”
With these words I meant that homosexuality is still illegal and considered taboo in that country. Same-sex unions are not recognized under Thai law, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. This prevents gay couples from applying for bank loans or joint health insurance. It also prevents the possibility of adopting children. Thai homosexuals do not enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals. Thai law denies transgender people from changing their sex on their national identity card.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1956, but was considered a mental illness until as recently as 2002. Many Thai Buddhists believe that homosexuality is a punishment for sins committed in a previous life. Thai homosexuals suffer physical and verbal harassment in the classrooms by their classmates, and discrimination at work, under the permissive gaze of society, despite the image of tolerance towards this group in order to attract tourism to the country. The Thai Police, the result of the Military Juntas that emerged after successive coups d'état, is accused, both by the local population and internationally, of being corrupt, torturing and repressive.
The Royal Thai Police is the most corrupt state department in the country with tens of thousands of complaints annually, according to regular reports from the Ombudsman's Office, and many of these complaints come from members of the Thai LGBTQIA community, who go unheard mostly.
The high-profile crime and dismemberment of the Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta, known as the “Daniel Sancho Case” (name of his confessed Spanish murderer) confirms this. This macabre murder once again brought to public attention the dynamics in the Asian country, the excesses, the parties and the mechanisms of privilege when the victim is a homosexual.
The LGBTIQIA collective is openly discriminated against and even with criminalizing laws, which, to wash its face before the international community, welcomes all those foreigners who will be part of the collective, but without displays of public affection
At a legislative level, Thailand has much more permissive LGBTIQIA policies, but at a factual level, there is discrimination, taboo and extensive stigma. Perhaps that explains the media treatment that has been given to the Sancho case from within the country itself: half-hearted, without fully clarifying the relationship that the two men had, and the eagerness that the police have shown to close the case. In addition to trying to maintain the idyllic image of the country before Thai and international public opinion so that tourism is not scared away.

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Another jewel in the historical genre in the Korean dramas

Combined review for Part 1 & 2

What made this show largely watchable?

The material alone guaranteed a well-explored fictional story about the dynamics of love, heroism, politics, persecution, and oppression during the early times when the old Korea was under the control of another country.

The whole cast was amazing. Each character big or small showed a dedicated portrayal of the trace of life back then and can’t help but be affected by their sufferings while watching. Namkoong Min nailed it. I was in awe of his performance here. I had seen him many times in other dramas and with my standards of good looking, I found him a little unattractive before. But my opinion of him changed like a turn of 360 degrees after the show. He got me with that unspeakable charisma in the way he delivered all his dialogues. Indeed he was the best of choice for the role. His leading lady, Ahn Eun Jin, was equally notable. I thought it would be challenging for them to look good together on screen but I find it amusing that their chemistry was building up in every episode and that was something very distinctive about this show also. And those scenes with little pauses or moments of quietness before saying their lines among the main leads were another commendable element of the show.

Like other historical dramas, it practically walked us around again that leading a nation is one gigantic responsibility and it requires a genuine compassion for your people. If you become bound by the greed of the throne and power, destruction follows. Regardless, of whether you have the position or are just an ordinary person, if you’re hoping for a change, take courage and leap that step so others may follow.

I felt sort of on a journey watching this show because of the sophisticated layering of the conflicts and how it was refined in the end. Really one heck of a great show!

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No impact

This drama was mid.

What I liked:
The cast/acting (Ji Chang Wook is an S tier romance ML. When he loves, I love. When he cries, I cry.)
The potential for revenge/justice against Bang Eunjoo
The friends/lovers/EXs/family convoluted feelings
The background of why the leads broke up
The family town aspect

What I disliked:
The fizzled out romantic ending. The leads could have gotten married, or moved in together, or took some other step to farther their relationship, but no. Some sneaking, kissing and cuddles then BAM: Another long separation. It reminds me of the ending of Because This is My First Life. I understand that SK people are into traveling and fulfilling your dreams at the expense of romance and family, but damn. Cho Samdal could have went with him! Or he could have worked in Seoul. Or just take a 6 month work abroad for the experience. The kicker is he didn't even need the work experience because he was already offered a job in Seoul. Like really, working in Switzerland for 2 years FOR WHAT? Like that's going to make a difference in anything. It was so sudden and illogical.

The lack of fulfilling revenge. Cho Samdal's career was set right again with a nice little bow after 1 thing was revealed. There was no satisfying dramatic reveal of Eunjoo's sly personality, cheating, or catty behavior to everyone. Just a quick, she lied and took money. Oh, Cho Samdal is welcomed back now. What? Where is the drama? I felt heart wretched with worry for what. There was no satisfying, meticulous take down.

To be honest, halfway through, I started skipping through a lot of supporting character scenes. It was slow and I don't think I missed much.

This drama makes me feel like I stuck my hands in water. It felt great for a while, but when I pulled my hands out - there was nothing. It all slipped through my fingers. Nothing of real substance to particularly love and remember.

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An Adorable Staple On Your K-drama Shelf

The main feature of this K-drama: Seo In Guk. Among the cold mysterious male leads Seo In Guk is hands down the hottest. I'm genuinely fascinated by the way he cracks that ice mask with his eyes only. It's damn hypnotizing.

🔸I do believe the drama with a long and confusing title 어느 날 우리 집 현관으로 멸망이 들어왔다 (One day doom entered my house through the front door) has earned its place among the classics. It's a heartwarming and well-executed romance between a human and a supernatural being with actually engaging supporting plots. I love how it teaches us to appreciate the present and the fleeting moments of happiness, because there is no happiness without sorrow and no birth without death. The main theme of death in the drama is handled very well. Tak Dong Gyeong is terminally ill, but it doesn't feel like an intentional tear-jerker. Instead, the story concentrates on her connection with her family and friends and recognition of human relationships. The surreal world of Myeol Mang is also attractive in its emptiness and solace, and you're eager to unravel his true nature as his character evolves. The drama depends on him entirely.

🔸The overall story is pretty standard and predictable for a fantasy/romance, involving the annoying trope of memory erasure, but the way the drama takes you on that journey is worth the time. I didn't notice how fast I finished it considering that it's not packed with action and mind-blowing twists. My complaint remains: the emerging of the contract and its conditions - the key element of the story - wasn't clear from the very beginning and stayed unclear to the very end.

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Felt Like A Highschool Marketing Project.

I tried to give the show a pass because it's low-budget, but it felt like a waste of time even though it's so short. Three 12 min episodes. It's 10% plot (that's not done well) and 90% product placement and adds. I understand they need sponsors to cover costs, but it didn't feel like a story someone was passionate about telling, which made it feel like the adds were actually the focus all along. There's nothing special about this apart from some pretty faces. That's just not enough for me.

Starting with a relationship that ends was a waste for the first episode. The main character is very unlikable because of how it goes and it takes time away from the development of the relationship between the main character and the cat-turned-human. You could just start with Ep 2, the recap gives you all you need.

There is no development shown for the cat-turned-human. We know the boy loves his cat, but there's no reason why he would start wanting to kiss the human version. There's nothing to explain the transition from platonic love to romantic love.

And the screenplay makes the human-cat seem simple-minded (not very intelligent). Which makes the "romance" feel even weirder; like it's with a child, not an equal.

There aren't even enough cute moments. There are very few cat-like mannerisms. There are no head rubs, ear scratches, kneading hands, snuggling , etc. The cat characteristics are all focused on food and drink product placements.

The actors are rookies and very flat. It doesn't help that the script is poorly written and doesn't give them much of interest to work with either.

Watched on the DFJ Entertainment YouTube channel in the USA Jan 2024. The English subtitles were rough when I watched it, but they are there.

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The reviews hit harder than the comedy in the drama

This is the first time I am writing a review and only because I am so had at wasting the hours of my life to watch this thing

To get the positive out of the way: the casting was great and the outfits were especially beautiful.

Onto the rest:
The plot is predictable and makes no sense. There were all the usual twists and you could see it coming a mile away had you watched other korean dramas. The motivation for going back in time makes no sense and the main character seemingly just forgets the origianl ML from the past.

The last 2 episodes were filler as they had absolutely no effect on the ending. They cried, she spent some time in the past rejecting the original Tae Ha after she got her win and then she came back to the 21st century and got married yet again. This series could have really ended around the 10th episode.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Night Has Come '' is a death game with a class of high school students as participants.

The drama starts off quite strongly, with the story being gripping and intriguing enough to spark the interest and to have the viewer look for who is behind everything and to figure out what is going on. The use of the mafia game was interesting as well. The bloodshed, though plenty, wasn't just there for show, moreover, but used nicely in the plot. Also, some characters were quite fascinating to follow.

However, the ending was what ruined this drama. First of all, it raised more questions than answers. Also, it was unsatisfying, leaving things unsolved, probably, but unlikely, hinting at a second season. Finally, nothing was explained about that final plot twist, as to how the masterminds behind the game managed to do as they did.

At least, the performances were strong by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, six out of ten.

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Not Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Soundtrack #2 '' is a romantic comedy with a music essence.

The drama has indeed good music and all the pieces were enjoyable and fit the drama nicely.

On the other hand, and even though there were some parts that were indeed interesting, the love story was boring. It mainly suffered from the drama's length, which was too short and, therefore, didn't allow the story to breathe. Rather, everything was rushed, and nothing was properly and organically developed. Otherwise, it would have been an actual realistic love drama.

The aesthetics, on the other hand, were spot on, and the performances were smooth and enjoyable.

So, overall, four out of ten.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' The Matchmakers '' is a historical romantic comedy.

The drama has a delightful to watch female lead, who was adorable, sassy, feisty, and nailed her emotional moments. She actually carried the drama when things started getting cheesy and boring.

Also, the couple was enjoyable to watch, as they had interesting banter and their dynamics were spot on. However, the love story was just okay, taking off only toward the ending of the series, and being more or less unoriginal. Still, the drama handled them having a significant other that they missed masterfully.

The performances, finally, were pretty great by everyone in the cast, even the side characters. The final episodes, however, were rushed and boring.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Moon in the Day '' is a historical fantasy melodrama.

The drama starts off quite good, though, as it turns out, the past storyline proved to be way more interesting compared to the main story, which got more and more boring as it went on. At least, the ending was interesting and didn't follow the cheesy way out. Rather, it gave closure, without messing with the laws of nature, but having a nice enough ending for all of the characters, including the side ones.

The actors and actresses of the cast, moreover, did a great job with their characters and their performances were enjoyable, aiding to the overall enjoyment of the drama as a whole.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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An ELECTRICFYING THRILLER WITH STUNNING STYLISH ACTION ! SOLID and GRIPPING ! Need Season 2

Guns Gadgets Gangs Bombs Foes Alliance !!

" A Shop for Killers" is a stylish new wave action kdrama about the survival of his nephew "Jian," who was targeted by suspicious killers after her uncle's death " Jin Man " .

This was a really excellent action thriller with amazing fight choreography, suspense, and action sequences. Each episode that is DARK, violent, psychotic, and wants to kill everyone, survival. The cast gives outstanding performances, and the plot is gripping and interesting overall. Each actor gives excellent performances as their respective characters.


LET'S SEE WHAT MADE THIS DRAMA IS AN UNIQUE ACTION DRAMA STANDOUT MODERN CLASSIC ACTION THRILLER --- 9.5/10

Modern style explosive action sequences :-

Unlike other classic K Action dramas using feasts in high-voltage action, I'm sure this drama standout as a modern classic action drama with complete new Action sequence adaptation like Modern age guns, Drones, Robots, and other modern fire arms. Kdramas are well known for best filming locations that we explore new places in S Korea through the kdramas freely, but in this drama the most important point out aspect is " Singular location story telling " this makes A Shop for Killers as an unique action thriller in classic K Actions.

Director completely adopted modern machine attacking style ( drone bombs, automatic machine guns carried by drones and ' DRONE GUN TACTICAL ' realistically advanced and exaggerated cinematic scene featuring bombs, drones, and a highly skilled Sniper attacks on Jin-man's home that whole scene is really terrific, warehouse underground technology. Close combat action scenes just wow !!

SUSPENSE DEVELOPMENT/BUILD-UP :-

the first four episodes focus on introducing the viewers to the characters, setting up bonding between uncle Jin-man and Ji-an, and establishing the relationships between other supporting characters and Ji An. This drama takes its time with its delivery of story progression, so it allows us to get to know Ji An's life with her uncle, her childhood and build the mystery surrounding Jin Man.

SINGULAR LOCATION STORY TELLING :-

It is rare to see simply because being in a singular location is not exactly a cinematic experience (to some watchers) and it can be extremely challenging to tell an entertaining story from primarily one place. But, when it is done right, and a director nails the blocking, and shot design, and there is a compelling narrative, it can create some of the best cinematic experience out there, so just trust the director work here before dropping the drama. Also for me this is the first time I'm watching a singular location story telling in K drama ( watched in movies ), For me the director and cinematographer succeeded in this aspect providing a gripping story telling with quality camera work and good colour grinding.

WRITING & DIRECTION :-

Directing writing is error-free - Though it's an eight-episode drama, some characters aren't given enough screen time. Overall, however, the drama's creators did an impressive work of presenting it, keeping the action and suspense at the same level from start to finish. In Singular location story telling Cinematography plays a crucial part ' Quality work of Cinematography and Camera work shines in every scene. And the director writer's excellent effort Brightens in every episode, amazing story telling with flashback connects to present story, outstanding screenplay that helps to understand the story progression easier.


CHARACTERS/ACTORS :-

Lee Dong-wook as Uncle Jeong Jin Man who played perfectly as an elite mercenary and an uncle who hides secrets throughout the eight episodes. Unlike the soft and witty appearance he showed in his previous works, Lee Dong-wook gave freshness with a normal but mysterious and sometimes grim face.

After watching Kingdom, Connect, it's normal to anticipate same level of quality acting from Kim Hye-joon and she delivered exactly what I expected perfectly, outstanding performance. The relationship between uncle and niece was attractive, fun and emotional. She gave an excellent performance in both action-packed scenes and deeply emotional ones.

Seo Hyun Woo ( Flower of Evil ) heated screen with his dark role, this is my first to see him in dark roles, never expected from him, i think he's perfectly fit to dark roles, i want to see him again as a Antagonist.

Such cool acting. Park Ji Bin watched his previous Drama ' Blind ', he got same type of role here but well performance by him as Jung Min.

Geum Hae-na as So Min-hye is a top-tier assassin with stunning action sequences created a great impression on her character role, she impressed me more after Jin Man.

Jo Han Sun as Bale as psychopath mercenary, He got less screen time but whenever he appears on screen it's just a firing moment, especially his eyes are really scary.

Child actor Ahn Se Bin impressed me more, she perfectly captured micro emotions of her character and same perfectly conveyed them.

FINALLY :-

As an action fanatic, I relished each and every action scene, delivering the ultimate action dramatic experience. In addition to having an action plot, it also shows a strong emotional connection between every character, which captures our interest in drama.

I enjoyed 8 eps, the plot not only focuses on the Ji-An survival and on her uncle Shop as primary story ( black market selling weapons and arms) but also drama runs with revenge plot in secondary story.
The eight episodes were masterfully directed, providing a compelling story. The plot and how it develops are what matter most, considering all the thrilling and suspenseful aspects of A Shop for Killers make you the best dramatic experience.

Just go watch and enjoy the drama.

If you are looking for fast paced action thriller you will binge to watch this drama !!

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ENDING + SEASON 2 CHANCES

Where is Jinman vs Bale story ?

In the meantime, Jeong Jin-man's biggest enemy, Bale, has yet to make any moves to carry out his threat to murder Jeong Jin-man's relatives and friends.
Yes, there is no specific ending of Bale like Seong Jo. Now everyone's question is Where is Bale? What happened to Babylon ? He's the main guy for the whole consequences, but the drama ended without his ending, so they will cover these questions in season 2 ? although ending is just perfect for every character who died and who is alive.

It's also unclear what made Jin-Man to supposedly die and then reappear, where he's hiding till to end ? So many unsolved questions left in 8 eps. These all led to the possibility of a potential season 2 with big story like Babylon, Bale and new enemies, I hope makers will plan to bring after they left us in a middle of puzzlement.

(Personal review) - Shinnosuke_Lee

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A little delight in each episode - A guilty pleasure (* '▽ `*)

PLOT: After the accidental death of a couple, the late husband's sister (FL, a rich heiress) comes to the mountain to "get" her nephew. He is with his maternal uncle, ML, who runs a coffee farm. The first interactions are tense and the FL decides to stay on the farm until her nephew accepts her.

PROS:
+ Very classic plot (but one of my favorites :) of the rich FL city girl who must adapt to the rough life of the mountains. Plus, it's very well done, convincing and quite funny.
+ The CL is very very cute... A little too much fake-kiss, but it works.
+ The characters are endearing, although some are exaggerated.
+ The production is quite dynamic, the flaws of the lakorns are present, but not too annoying.

CONS:
- the music has a bearable volume, but it is omnipresent.
- In the last episodes, the pace is slower and some behaviors are not consistent: the flip-flop decisions of the FL's father, the reckless CL who confronts the villains without weapons or preparation, etc.
- the systematic repentance of the villains (those who do not repent, die, this is a rule in lakorns' world), is here much too rapid to be credible.

=> an excellent “comedy” and romantic lakorn.
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Un petit délice à chaque épisode - A guilty pleasure (* '▽ `*)

PLOT : Après le décès par accident d'un couple, la sœur de l'homme (la FL, une riche héritière) vient à la montagne pour "récupérer" son neveu. Celui-ci se trouve avec son oncle maternel, le ML, qui dirige une ferme de café. Les 1eres interactions sont tendues et la FL décide de rester à la ferme tant que son neveu ne l'accepte pas.

PROS:
+ Plot très classique (mais un de mes fav :) de la riche FL citadine qui doit s'adapter à la vie fruste de la montagne. De plus, c'est très bien fait, convaincant et assez drôle.
+ Le CL est très très cute... Un peu trop de fake-kiss, mais ça passe.
+ Les personnages sont attachants, bien que certains soient exagérés.
+ La réalisation est assez dynamique, les défauts des lakorns sont présents, mais pas trop gênants.

CONS:
- la musique a un volume supportable, mais elle est omniprésente.
- Dans les derniers épisodes, le rythme est plus lent et certains comportements ne sont pas cohérents : les volte-faces du père de la FL, le CL téméraire qui affrontent les villains sans arme ni préparation, etc.
- le repentir systématique des vilains (ceux qui ne se repentent pas, meurent, c'est la règle des lakorns), est ici bien trop rapide pour être crédible.

=> un excellent lakorn "comédie" et romantique.

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A unique and fantastic journey

This show was simply amazing. Everything from the story, to the acting, to the action and the music were top notch.

One of my favorite things about The Untamed was the unique choice of martial arts showcased, having the main characters not strictly using swords.


Spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had to nitpick the only complaints I have out of the entire 50-episode show were the abrupt deaths of Yanli and Weng Qing (really heart breaking and not even on screen which I guess I am thankful for); as well as the lack of a satisfactory ending for the real main villain of the show.

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