Reviews

Best Series of 2023

As someone that has seen "addicted" I was expecting the same emotions. However, this show took on a life of its own with its adaptation of the novel. Never have I been soo entranced with some basic school boys trying to live their lives as best they could. All they really wanted was to be happy and I truly believe that they brought out the best in each other, while also helping to heal each other's pain. I also loved that even though a good bit of the main cast are really handsome, they were not sexualised at all, but they all had moment when I thought "dang he really sexy though". The ending could not have been done better, I hated it by the way, but I was living for it at the same time. I have never been more upset that I didn't realise it was the last episode, than I have ever been till I realise the out-of-space high cliff hanger I was left on. The show was masterfully done and I cannot wait for season two.

Story:
The story began pretty slow, which was great, gave us a good chance to get to know the characters and subsequently judge them to say who we want to support or not throughout the series. The premise wasn't new and I was fooled into thinking that it would be some basic highschool drama. I was soooooo happy to be wrong about this. This drama took on some mature theme of family dynamics and how we are affected by the choices our parents make. The emotional damage and how it takes one person to heal that was fully developed in this series. The many plot twists and the reveal of how his mother died were superbly executed. The two sons crossing paths and becoming friends, helping each other to understand the people that angered them most, that was a beautiful full circle moment. Also, that moment when Wu bi stormed into that house and started to beat people up for making his friend stand in the rain was magical. Their protection of each other physical and mention state was a truly heartwarming. All the will they wont they moments were also a very nice touch without making it the centre of the scene but it was the centre of the scene. The supporting story lines and characters all made for an excellent blend of sweet and sadistic. The ending though.... They better bring season 2 quickly. I just need to know about him.... I just need to know. Please just don't break his heart. don't break anything. the glass on the ground is enough broken things. Please, just please. I know his big brother will be devastated if his plan to separate them backfired... but the broken glass is enough.

Acting:
They honestly blurred the lines into BL territory, but I honestly think the relationships and chemistry between the two main actors was AMAZING. The moments when they were genuinely going out of their minds worrying about the other could be felt off the screen. Su yu and Wu bi were everything in this series, yes I know they are the main characters, but a lot of shows have main leads that no one likes. This show did them well... You know the actors are great when you want to jump inbetween them to stop them from arguing. That one scene where who's married to whom and who isn't really who father. God! The pain, the anger, the fear.... every emotion was on full display and the actors had wishing I could just explain to them not to fight, it isn't each others fault. Stop, remember you both are besties.... It actually broke my heart to see them scream at each other.

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Gu Won is Pretty Do Hee's Perfect Demon!!!

I stayed up all night on the west coast to watch the 1st episode that aired at 6:30am PST!
Contain Spoiler!!!
When it comes to visuals I think this is Song Kang's best look in a K-Drama, his intro
scene was mind blowing with him walking in a long black hood cape (200 years ago) where he visited
a catholic place of worship, he placed his 5 fingers in a bowl of water to create flower petals then it formed
a stem of rose which he used to ignite his powers. After, the camera went closeup (4:34 mins) capturing a profile
shot of his head/face which was so beautiful and all I'm thinking if a devil can look so pretty I would
be fooled easily if I don't focus on his intentions lol. I was melting away in the early morning, The way his hair
was styled very textured with the hair dangled on his forehead which appear like a wet look, His under eyes had
a soft reddish look which made him look even more mysterious in a provocative and appealing way.
No other Demon character has outshined Song Kang as Gu Won!!!

Kim Yoo Jung looks very gorgeous as Do Do Hee and she fits the role as FL with Song Kang as ML.
Do Hee character is a rich girl princess like and she plays her role very well. I really could not get
enough of the beauty. So while it's fresh on my head I want to write a little review that this Drama
Series looks promising and the preview for Ep2 look like a lot of fun parts.

Jung Koo Won bargains with humans and at the 10 years deadline they die and go to a spiritual realm
then come back to work for him. On the same day in 2023, Jung Koo Won reserved a restaurant to eat alone,
Instead, Do Do Hee's adopted mother's fixed up a blind date for her that got mixed up with the restaurant
and that was how she met Gu Won. Later in the episode an incident happened where someone tried to
kill Do Do Hee and Gu Won was looking for his prey and went to save Do Do Hee from the attacker.
But first Do Do Hee need to make a deal with Gu Won. They both fell in the water escaping the attacker
where his powers were transferred to Do Hee under water. That was where Ep1 ended and will find out how
things will unfold for the beautiful Demon and pretty Do Hee. I hope Jung Koo Won gets back his powers lol.
It will be fun to see Gu Won powerless around Do Hee as well.

I couldn't help but notice the great quality of the editing and VFX so seamlessly done along with the beautiful
cinematography that captured the scenes beautifully and you can tell this was a very high budget Drama to make.

I recommend to give it a watch, you will laugh a lot too, the writer have come up with a strong theme, very original.
Like how can you make me sit and watch a beautiful demon drama? What I love about this drama, the writer makes
it very straight forward to follow, no entanglement and confusion. It is simply as that. I recommend to rewatch EP1
as it contained what the Demon did with the flowers and may have a part to play throughout the series.

I will update along the way ❤️‍?

After watching episode 9 & 10 only if I could rate it more than 10 out of 10!
SPOILER!!!
Gu Won regained his powers yippy!!!! I won't say which episode but it was MAGNIFICENT!!!
Gu Won is Do Hee's Perfect Demon! and this drama is my weekend therapy...❣️

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Interesting Drama…

I want to first say that I did enjoy this drama. I’ve actually watched it twice. Don’t get me wrong, I love both the main characters and their chemistry with each other. And most of the side characters are hilarious (love so many of the Another Miss Oh! cast being in this), but the backstory is… intense in an almost unbelievable way. This was my first kdrama backstory that was almost too much for me to handle in order to finsih the show. Trust me, I’ve watched shows with tragic backstories but this was… intense and didn’t really make sense for me??

But the show is HILARIOUS and I love the love story between the main characters. Just ignore the other stuff and this is a great drama lol.

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Disappointing

Started great but then got boring and repetitive. Our ml is the only hearing member of his family, the rest are deaf as such he feels responsible for them and can't do what he really wants to do aka music, he time travels and meets his parents in the past in hopes to change the future. Now the beginning with his family was great and him trying to convince his father that he is his son and all the comedy that came after that.. At some point eun yu gets introduced and the plot begins to drag as the main focus was his parents.. It's became his parents and that girl that traveled back to change her mom husband so she can not be born. An emo girl that is so annoying and I genuinely don't know how their romance started. Mom and dad romance started late and then dragged. No re-watch value. It could have been much better but ahime

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That's how it's done!

A great drama from beginning to end. Infact it's so great that despite being made in 1996, it's feels so modern and relevant. A heartwarming romcom that actually shows us the leads lives and wide range of emotions and struggles and how a forced Co habitation turn to two people come to depend on each other then naturally fall in love. The first time they kissed, I was like finally yes! They built the momentum for the romance in the most realistic way, at some point I forgot I was watching a drama. Her a model at the end of her career struggling to see where she can find her place in society after being dumped by her fiancee on her wedding day, him a pianist that struggled to convey raw emotions while playing. I don't want to talk about the chemistry, i want everyone to watch a text book on how to have a good chemistry in this drama. As the title that's just how you do it. Anyone intimidated by how old this drama is, just give it a go!
Ps The opening song will forever live in head!

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A Youth Drama We Didn’t Know We Needed, But Deserved

A story about a boy who goes back in time to prevent a tragedy from occurring… that’s just the surface-level synopsis of his trip.

Ha Eun Gyeol, our main character, embarks on a journey that revitalizes his youth, helps his dad shine in a way like never before, and opens a door of communication for his mother to the world— one sign at a time!

Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론) is not just a comedic slice-of-life saturated with fluffy moments enough to make you pass out from sweetness at every corner. Rather, it’s a drama full of wounded interpersonal relationships, character development, healing, forgiveness, and acceptance admist the backdrop of '95’s Seoul. In fact, the setting is so well-crafted, coupled with the original premise— that it makes the audience feel like they’re embarking on the same journey as our main character.

One of the biggest aspects that I absolutely adore about this drama is the stellar cast. Whoever did the casting deserves some kind of award! Characterizations is so on-point that it leaves you in awe. CHW practically MOLDS into the role of Ha Yi Chan, and the same goes with the orher crew members. Line delivery was flawless, and the amount of times Ha Eun Gyeol (Ryeoun) made me cry is probably too much to count— I mean, mans is a whole tear-production plant!

Additionally, this drama teaches so many great values about family that will deeply resonate and tug at the heartstrings of many viewers. As someone with a close-knit relationship with their parents, and coming from a cultural background of collectivist beliefs, the interactions between HEC ans HEG made me deeply reflect on the relationship that I have with my loved ones.

For those who still have your parents, guardian, or a loved one in general, cherish the moments that you have with them. If theres anything that Twinkling Watermelon wants you to realize, it is as Mr. Viva said, “Major and minor chords must coexist harmoniously for a song to sound delightful and complete. The same goes for life. Experiencing hardships and joyful moments help you build your dazzling life.”

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THIS IS HOW YOU DO ROMCOMS

This was a rewatch.

My main issue when it comes to dramas and romcoms it's how no matter the plot, specially in Korean teen dramas, I always end up pissed off because the characters are horrible people. Either I can't stand the lead, or she ends up with the douche that treated her like crap instead of the nice guy and I just hate the whole thing. It's dramas like this that made me realize I actually like romcoms and dramas, just well written ones.

In this drama Sena, a pianist falls for Minami, a model, who falls also for him. I love how the drama revolves around these two but it's also about how Sena tries to find his way through his musical career and how Minami tries to find her place in the world outside of modeling. It's so nice when, specially girls are more than just the love story.

Overall the drama is fun and entertaining, a nice slowburn with very likable characters, which make the drama perfect for me, because I do love when you can't hate any character and can understand why they do whatever they do. From the OST in English to the main Japanese song, I genuinely loved to rewatch this drama on Summer specially, but any season is good.

It's an amazingly written slow born of strangers to friends to lovers that has you hooked from episode one, incredibly open minded as how young women and men are without missing a beat on fun and comedy relief, with an amazing and fangirl type of ending that I just loved more every time I watch it. Definitely recommend this to everyone!

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Karma may challenge your perceived entitlement.

In my opinion, Crash Course in Romance revolves around the social pressures and expectations of raising a teen in a status-driven environment. Having to meet those standards and the psychological and physical consequences. The circumstances were brought about by some, but as a parent of six, I blame a great deal on the parents depicted here.

But that is the theme even though the title emphasizes romance. Although romance is a part of the development of the main plot, it is in the background. The main leads are like stars on a much larger stage.
Choi Yeol (Jung Ho) is a charismatic, rich and very capable math teacher who is initially a workaholic. A private institution hires him to teach, and he's good at what he does, but at a price. On the other hand, the other lead, Nam Seon (Jeon Do Yeon), a restaurant owner, seems to live an average life raising her niece, Nam Yi. After watching the first few episodes, I didn't recognize Jeon Do Yeon at all.

Later, I realized she was the same lead actress from "Kill Bok Soon"! Her characters are so different from one another. In C Course, she is the polar opposite of Bok Soon, so I give her props for her acting. In C Course, her wardrobe seemed very plain and ordinary at times. I found her mannerisms to be sweet and caring. It is of course circumstances that bring them together, and their loyalty, trust, and ability to love are tested as they overcome various obstacles and challenges. Along the way, there are twists and turns. Mostly the pressures of academic standards and expectations placed on the kids along with Nam Yi and her friend Lee Jae.

I was irritated by Cho Hee and her bratty entitled daughter Soo Ah (spawned by her mother). In the All-Care Women's Group, Cho Hee was the ringleader. In my mind, they should be called ACITFG, The All Care in Their Feelings Group.

The "romance" part of the series develops as Mr. Choi needs food he can stomach. At Nam Seon's restaurant, he finds that. Past situations lead him to believe it's destined for him to be with Nam Seon, help her niece after she was kicked out of the special class etc. It's different from the typical gitty 20-something romance you see. It was cool. It has been called cringey by some, but I disagree. Those who seek love with the right heart and intention deserve it.

Apart from the school drama, there were some nice lighthearted moments in the show. The series takes a turn after the murders of a student and a teacher, Lee Jae's brother Hee Jae was quiet and mysterious. However, their mother was no better than Cho Hee's mother (Soo Ah's mother).

I began to suspect Mr Choi's assistant Ji Hee after he refused to tell him where he lived. In addition, he dodged his old friend who knew who he was. However, at first, I did not suspect murder. It seemed more like a status issue to me. Maybe he was embarrassed about living conditions or maybe he had a relative he was ashamed of. Because Ji Hee was a very capable and smart assistant. He wouldn't be a dangerous criminal, would he? It was their intention to make you feel that way, of course. Nevertheless, Dude was evil from the moment he treated Nam Seon disrespectfully.

In addition to Nam Yi's kidnapping, another issue with this series was how they just brushed it under the rug. There is no counseling, no one-on-one discussion. I thought the girl wanted to leave with her mom because of the trauma associated with everything in that community. Am I missing something? It's true that Ji Hee died, but mentally it's not easy to return to normal after that ordeal. She couldn't have forgotten, she remembered all of her friends' names and statuses in the hospital, so... anyway...

I give Crash Course above average marks. To me, it does have small flaws (what show doesn't) but it's a good watch. Check out Kill Bok Soon! You will see a totally different person!! Jeon Do Yeon is fire in that movie!

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This Series Has Heart & A Message

I know my reviews of these floundering BL series perhaps is a bit too heartfelt, but I have great admiration for struggling productions who are making an effort to tell a story in their own way, no matter what the obstacles. So, therefore, I am willing and do indeed overlook many of the production flaws so that we can understand what motivates and drives these productions – a belief in themselves and an effort to tell a story with sincerity and commitment. Indeed, that is what this series is. It is a surprisingly intense BL series full of real people with genuine problems told perhaps a bit overdramatically. But as uncomfortable as the story is, there is nonetheless an underlying veracity to its message.

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Zero One By Itself Doesn't Actually Mean Anything In Binary

Kamen Rider Zero One is charming. I really like the acting, and the suit designs tend to be consistent enough for me to not have any issues with any of them in particular. However, I have quite a few issues with its story. It is pretty strangely paced, and on top of that the morals seem to be mixed in what they're actually trying to tell you - unlike a lot of KR shows I've watched that are very explicit in their message, Zero One says one thing while showing another. It shows you that you should "follow your dreams" and "do what you want", but when someone wants something that isn't explicitly their core function it is seen as wrong. Aruto wants to be a comedian, but always fails. All of the Humagears that reach sentience want to pursue their dreams, but their dreams are only in relation to continuing to do what they have always done. It feels contradictory to itself throughout its entirety. The main characters for the most part have good chemistry, though, and it made me so happy to see a nonbinary character have a main role later in the series. The action is pretty good, though.

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Viva la Vida!

When this show was airing I did not watch it I just think that it might not be good. I am happy I did not watch this drama while it was airing it would be torture to wait on new eps. What I love about this drama was the 20th century theme as someone horned in the 21st century I loved it the music the friendship the characters had and what it taught me. Even though Eun Gyeol was not able to stop his father from becoming deaf he changed everyone’s life. This taught me that even though life is different from what we want it to be it is the people in it that makes it worth while. I loved the cast energy hope to see them again soon. Until then “Long live life!”. Viva la Vida, Watermelon Sugar!

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A Tragic Tale

Kamen Rider Saber surprised me. I had heard that this series in particular wasn't one of the well-loved, and for some reason that made me want to watch it more, see if maybe people were overreacting about its quality. At first, if I'm to be totally honest, I was in the same boat. The first dozen or dozen-and-a-half episodes are rough, slowly paced, and feel aimless. The main gimmick of books feels sort of oddly put into the setting, and the Belt Sounds are just... So annoying. But after that point, the story hits a high point, being interesting and compelling and heartfelt. And then it goes back to being just okay with a very meh ending in my opinion. It feels like a roller coaster, easing you into and out of the interesting parts of the story. The suit designs start off as being a bit clunky but turn really good! The fight choreography is overall good as well! I also like the OP, and absolutely ADORE the Ending Song. Also, Touma's got fantastic outfits all throughout the series.

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Has Its Demons, But Lives With It

Kamen Rider Revice is a lot of fun. Despite being an anniversary series, it can be easily watched without prior knowledge of the other Kamen Riders that proceeded it, with it at most showing homage to these past Riders in their suit designs. The story itself is mixed - it kinda drags, and some of the arcs that happen can be less engaging than others. But the interpersonal drama is very well written and the concepts of inner demons are approached in unique and interesting ways for everyone involved, keeping the show feeling fresh each time it touches on its themes. The midpoint made me start to worry about one of the important reasons I was interested in the series, but it came back around to being fun and enjoyable, with a great way to wrap up the end. The supporting cast is all very interesting and fun, with George and Ikki's father in particular being a highlight for me. The opening is SO MUCH FUN, with the music overall being good. Suit designs are really good, with base Revi being a standout for me. Fight choreography was great, and it has one of the most impactful fights in the entire franchise in a later episode. Overall, while it has some issues with the larger plot, the interpersonal moments are very good, I love how it went about studying its themes, and the combat is very fun to watch with it focusing on two Riders with very different personalities. Great stuff!

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So gOOOd It Exceeds Infinity

HOLY PEAK. This series is amazing. The gimmick of the setting is cool and interesting and unique, and on top of that it doesn't feel disconnected to the plot of the series like some other Kamen Rider belt gimmicks can feel. Eiji and Ankh have great chemistry together as tentative allies, Eiji himself is a great character who gets analyzed and comes to an interesting conclusion in the story later on. The side characters are all entertaining and each have their own fun reason to be around. The story itself is a great combination of lighthearted fun and introspective. The music, good golly the MUSIC. Each form having their own insert song and the OP being a fun and upbeat ska track gives this one a unique and great style to it. The suit designs are really fun, and the way they frequently swap between them mid-fights gives each combat a fun and unique feeling to it! Even the filler episodes related to Kamen Rider's Anniversary are a lot of fun! This one has it all, in my opinion.

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Good to watch

Good to watch
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