Reviews

The MC is not harsh enough.

It's actually a good series, and it has some good start. But if you have been reading Cnovels or revenge novels, you can easily differentiate the MC from those similar characters. I have to emphasize on this part as this was indeed a revenge series.

For one, she's not harsh enough. I've seen revenging female protagonist before and they can be really badass, but the MC was just around or below the average. The first revenge she did was the only time I felt satisfied with. The next ones are too amateur. I get that she has to transition to her villain era and I liked that there's a character growth for a change, as most if not all of those revenge stories and movies I've seen has already a determined and badass character change at the start. But it's been 8 episodes already and she was still somewhat affected by changes, she's easily troubled, she can sometimes be smiling evilly to her enemies but she can also be seen cowering and wearing her troubled emotions on her sleeves. Her emotions can be affected with petty throws from her enemy. Again, there's nothing wrong about that as that was her character, but I was expecting an unaffecting, equally and more harsh, vicious, scheming and tough protagonist.

Her revenge left me unsatisfied. She's the good girl revenger. When trouble comes I instead worry for her if she can fix it. She's not the typical character that you can rely on that no matter what the enemies throw, she'll just smile evilly and even throw a bigger boulder to her enemies. She really needs to learn from those existing similar characters.

I also don't get the necessity of the marriage. I like it more if she focuses more on her revenge while doing it alone. I like it if they're independent enough not to rely on a man for her revenge.

Anyway, it's actually a good one and was worth watching. Despite all my misgivings from it, I still enjoy and will continue watching it. I just have to voiced out these things. Though the revenge part was prolonged and hashed out, most people might enjoy this.

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Fresh air in Jbl fr!

this is typical soft and comedy drama, i personaly recomend it to watch when you want to laugh, the comedy is so enjoying to watch LOL the scene when akafuji is found out as a fan of hajime with those atribute when hajime went to akafuji house makes me laugh over the eps hahahaha overall this drama is bringing fresh air in jbl! and i am so glad the script that give the idea to put them live together as far i watched a lot of drama this is like first time brillian idea came with superb idea and the kiss reheseal ? got me blusing? this is super cute drama yall watch it and thank me later.

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I think the most important thing is to like the plot of the story, I love revenge

I think I'm going to really like the drama, I love this plot of the protagonist getting a chance, you know, I find it so engaging. I thought the leads were beautiful, I love this actress and I think she's going to act a lot. The first episode was the kind that hooks you, you know? It makes you curious about what will happen in the future. Anyway, the drama reminds me a lot of Perfect Marriage Revenge, which excites me because that drama really got to me and I consider it the best of 2023. Oh, I saw that the main actress lost weight for the drama, and I was amazed because the woman delivers so much, my god. Anyway, I'm anxious for the other episodes

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A Game of Cat and Mouse At a High School Retreat

A class of high school students trapped at a youth center during their class retreat. No teachers. No internet. No contact with the outside world. Then all of a sudden the sound of a school bell and an announcement comes over the loudspeaker: 'The mafia game will begin shortly'.

The students' phones are abuzz with notifications as The Mafia Game app installs itself. They each begin to check their identities:
Numerous Civilians
1 Police Officer
1 Doctor
The Number of Mafia??? Unknown.

At first, it's played off as a joke and the class collectively votes out one person. But as midnight comes the bell sounds and another announcement is made saying that the student has been unanimously executed. The student starts groaning and holding his head as if he's in pain before he brutally throwing himself out of the window. What began as a seemingly harmless deduction game quickly turns into a race of survival and a desperate attempt to stay alive.

What follows is a mysterious game of death and deception as fellow classmates begin to die one by one. An epic battle of wits, cruel mind games, and supernatural phenomena show the psychological struggles during extreme situations and complex relationships of the students. Not to mention just how easy emotions can impact one another at crucial moments and the cruel reality of today's society.

Throughout the chaos and pandemonium, the citizens must vote out the mafia in order to live, while the mafia go on a rampage murdering anyone to survive. During the game, many unexplainable things start happening. Is there some supernatural force at play or is the class not really alone?


Lee Yoon Seo - With her keen observation skills and reasoning is determined to find out the mafias and the truth behind the game.
Kim Jun Hee - Tries to balance a sense of justice and responsibility as the Class President, but breaks down at his classmates' deaths.
Oh Jung Won - A tech genius who seems to follow the majority, but her eyes hold a dark secret.
Go Kyung Jun - A bully who believes he's at the head of an autocracy/dictatorship and instills fear in anyone who goes against him.
Jin Da Beom - A seemingly quiet kid who endures bullying but a hidden anger resides in him.
Kim So Mi - The quick-witted and manipulative Class Vice President who will do anything to avoid suspicion.

This drama was thrilling to watch. Not only does it keep you guessing, but you're constantly on the edge of your seat wanting to watch more. At times you'll be intrigued and other times you'll be frustrated with how the students play the game. Their acting will play mind games with you, will make you yell in frustration and other times it will touch your heart just how much some people care about others. There were several plot twists and the odd plot hole, but overall a very fascinating watch and an invigorating experience.

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Fates Rewritten: Kang Jiwon Seizes the Second Chance

Adapted from the web novel Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘) by Seong So Jak (성소작) and directed by Park Won Gook, this show narrates Kang Jiwon's journey. Betrayed and killed by her husband and best friend, she seizes a second chance traveling back 10 years to alter her destiny.

From beginning to end, i thoroughly enjoyed the show, it was a profoundly gratifying experience. Beyond mere revenge it delved into themes of self growth and altering fates for survival. Each episode surpassed the last, conveying the message that second chances should be wielded wisely.

Each character was meticulously crafted with profound depth, both protagonists and antagonists shared an equitable presence. The antagonists stole the spotlight in numerous episodes, their characters exhibiting sheer insanity. What sets them apart is their unwavering consistency, unlike many dramas where antagonists change last minute, these characters remained true to their evil nature, escalating with each episode.

The narrative primarily revolves around three characters who overshadowed the rest: Kang Jiwon, the main protagonist and Sumin & Park Minhwan, the main antagonists. Kang Jiwon's character was intricately developed, showcasing significant self growth throughout the series, providing a truly satisfying arc. Her relatable flaws and insecurities stemming from past trauma added depth to her character. Park Minyoung's portrayal of Kang Jiwon was exceptional with her acting reaching an extraordinary level of intensity in this role.
Next is Sumin, she is undoubtedly going to be an iconic villain remembered for a very long time. Her character, a psycho with an intense obsession for Jiwon, escalates to new levels of insanity with each episode. She is the kind of character we all love to hate. That underwater scene of hers will remain forever iconic. Kudos to Song Hayoon for brilliantly portraying this character. She undoubtedly deserves all the awards for this role.
Park Minhwan, portrayed as a truly terrible husband. If this character had been played by any other actor, it might have been annoying but Lee Yikyung's comic portrayal of Park Minhwan, with his nasty personality makes it impossible not to find him amusing. His scenes are absolutely hilarious and the way his character ended brings both satisfaction and sadness simultaneously.These three characters undoubtedly carried the entire show on their backs.

Apart from these characters there were also endearing and lovable characters such as Jihyuk, Huiyeon, Baek Eunho, Yang Juran, etc. each making show equally memorable.
However Yura stood out as the sole annoyance, her character was consistently irritating from start to finish. My only complaint is that instead of her they could have developed Huiyeon and Eun Ho's love story. Nevertheless considering the drama's unfolding in the last episode, it seems she played a crucial role as a catalyst in bringing about the final track.

Although romance wasnt the main genre, the main couple's love story was endearing and their chemistry was quite soothing. However more than the romance, i watched this for the compelling drama and the captivating performances of the aforementioned three characters who stole the show.

The soundtrack, cinematography and production quality were outstanding. The background music and OSTs were fitting, the cinematography offered a fresh and visually pleasing experience and the production quality was top notch, ensuring it didnt feel like a cheaply made show.

In summary watching this show was a highly satisfying experience. Despite moments of frustration particularly with the annoying character Yura, if we overlook that it was a gratifying watch from start to finish.

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"Transforming Dreams: A Review of Chinese Drama Focused on Education and Resilience"

The drama features an exceptionally talented cast, effortlessly portraying emotions and offering an intriguing plot. It sheds light on real-life struggles and problems, revealing the hidden challenges student might face in their personal and school life. Each character undergoes significant development, with Shen Yao standing out. While I felt romance isn't a necessity, the drama explores crushes and some light relations developments. Personally, I found it to be an educational gem, deserving more recognition. It imparts study tactics, motivation, and various techniques, making the students' journey remarkable. This captivating drama keeps you hooked until the end, delivering a satisfying experience.

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Bromance

Upon watching the trailer initially, I anticipated it to have BL vibes, but it pleasantly surprised me as it turned out to be more of a bromance. The story revolves around a friend lending a helping hand to his "brother," and together they embark on a journey to boost each other's self-confidence.
However, I wasn't particularly fond of the cut scenes as they lacked coherence and character progression. However, the main characters' chemistry was undeniably strong right from the beginning of the episode, making it all the more captivating to watch. All in all, it's a nice and enjoyable short.

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Almost dropped it but pushed thru

The first episode was absolutely infuriating. I was planning on dropping this 3/4 of the way thru it. I instead came to the reviews to see why I should keep watching. I was mostly convinced. I went to S2 to see how it would progress. It looked promising so back I went. I then found out the bullying was something that had actually happened. While I still found the basis of the series appalling and almost unbelievable, but knowing it was "based" in reality made me push through. I wanted to see this revenge play out because boy was it warranted!

There were still parts that frustrated me to no end but overall the two leads won me over and kept me watching. Will I watch it again?Probably not. Would I suggest it for everybody to watch? Absolutely not. There are A LOT of triggering scenes especially in the first episode so be aware before you start. There are various scenes throughout that are hard to watch also.

Only you know what you can handle but know you have been warned!

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Highly Recommended, high Re-Watch Value. Hot.

-The series that catapulted two relatively unknown actors into the Chinese stardom stratosphere.
-Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu put their hearts, and soul, and creativity, and passion, and improvisation, and their dedication into this series despite many production setbacks.
-The result is INSANE CHEMISTRY, WeiLan, ZhuBai, many swoon-worthy, superbly acted memorable scenes (and many more future well-deserved quality acting opportunities for both Zhu Yilong and Baiyu).
-Guardian sets the stage for later "BL - bromance" type series like Untamed and Word of Honor.
-It's undeniably a romance though Chinese censorship forbids the explicit interpretation of the original novel in those terms. However, the romance or bromance (whatever) is a mature, complex, controlled relationship. The feelings between the two leads never descend into mushy, sappy, melodramatic tropes. There's no sentimental declaration of love/feelings, but the undying, unwavering love between soul mates is always palpable. I love that they are their own strong person, with their own firm convictions, and they take no bullshit from each other. There's always the push and pull in their interactions, whether in bantering, calling each other out, working together. They are in sync mentally and physically.
-You will cry. I cried, copiously.
-If you loved this, as I did, you will re-watch scenes many many times, as I did.

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The Best Sequel in 2023

I’m literally in tears because the drama ended too soon and there is STILL so much left to explore!

Have you ever felt this inexplicable connect to a storyline or characters that keeps you coming back for more? If you are an ardent fan of the “What Did You Eat Yesterday?” franchise, you will understand the connection. I have been religiously following this show for almost 5 years now and everytime, they make an announcement, my heart skips a beat. That’s how much I love this melodrama and I’m really invested in each and every character in this show. Starring veteran Japanese actors Nishijima Hidetoshi & Uchino Seiyou in the lead roles, this slice-of-life romance focuses on the daily lives and struggles of a middle-aged gay couple. You ask, what is so special about them? Shiro and Kenji are probably the most realistic depiction of the problems faced by a gay couple, in an idealistic, closeted society. Their renditions are so heartwarming and inspiring, you can’t help but get roped in their lives. For now, join me as we reminisce some of the finest moments from the sequel!

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2023/12/27/what-did-you-eat-yesterday-2-series-review-ep-3-to-12/

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This could have been so much better

What can another trite, tropey, cliché-ridden Thai series centering around a cooking theme say that has not already been said? Both from a positive and negative perspective that seriously does not sound like a broken record (I know that dates me).

The story could have been an interesting one as it certainly did start out on an entertaining note. We have a struggling young man named Peach (Guide Kantapon) who developed a great understanding and finesse for baking from his Grandma (actress unknown). Both make a living by selling Grandma’s chiffon mini-cakes. Her chiffon mini-cakes have been instrumental in changing the direction of one individual in an orphanage where she has been delivering her cakes for many years. She gently dispenses, as a grandmother ought to, not just wise advice on baking but on how to live. She is pivotal to this whole story and is the fulcrum to Peach’s transition to fully realizing himself.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2023/12/30/bake-me-please-series-review-ep-1-to-6/

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A Hilarious, Over Dramatic Romcom

Adapted from the manga series BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita by Suzuri Machi and starring Abe Aran (Akafuji Yuichiro) and Akutsu Nichika (Aoyanagi Hajime), I Became the Main Role of a BL is precisely what its title implies. It follows two actors in two different stages of their careers–one famous, the other a child actor waning in popularity–cast in the leading roles of a BL series.

It’s fun. It’s over-dramatic. It’s full of heart-fluttering tropes. It resonates deeply.

Japan’s romcoms rarely fail me. They pull off over-the-top comedy in a way no other country has quite yet mastered. While the trope-filled comedy scenes in this series could come off as cringe, it somehow doesn’t. The secret but not-so-subtle crush that popular actor Yuichiro has on child actor Hajime is sweet and endearing, full of giggles and warmth, which makes each scene a delight to tune into.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/01/02/i-became-the-lead-in-a-bl-drama-crank-up-edition-series-review-ep-1-to-3/

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loved it!

wow! I'm in shock at all the bad reviews of this drama. it saddens me to see people not bother watching simply because others said not to. on that note, I will say that most reviews are personal opinions and should be taken that way. my personal opinion, I absolutely loved this series! I started with Sky in Your Heart which is the sequel where you see Daoneua's brother, Kuafah, get his story. That was hands down one of my favorite stories! Mek is drop dead gorgeous and an amazing actor! as far as this series goes, you can't go wrong with JoongDunk. yes, the story is one that we most likely all know. miscommunication. if you're an avid bl watcher like myself, you're bound to come across tropes. frankly, to expect high schoolers/college students to be experts at love is ridiculous. they're gonna be awkward and make mistakes. I 100/10 recommend this series and I 1000/10 recommend watching sky in your heart immediately after!

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Highly recommended, high re-watch value

-Amazing CHEMISTRY between the leads
-Complex relationships, especially between the male leads, and between them and the wife. Even the side characters are well-developed and nuanced.
-Though often listed as a "BL", this story and the relationships transcend that sort of reductive label. This is kindred spirits of the purest, unbreakable kind
-Actions and decisions always stayed true to the nature of the characters. Emotional without the melodrama.
-Superbly cast
-Gorgeous production, authentic feel
-No unnecessary drama, none of the usual trope-y story-telling. Mature, thoughtful, credible story
-More people ought to watch this, and recommend it to others.

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