Reviews

worth a watch

Overall: an overall decent KBL. 8 episodes around 16 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI.

What I Liked
- sweet/cute moments
- that it centered on the two leads without a whole bunch of other characters
- supportive friends
- we got more than 1 kiss and they were a little better than dead fish lip presses
- production value

Room For Improvement
- I wish they had been more clear about what the issue was in the past/shown it earlier and that the issue didn't hinge on poor communication that a 5 minute conversation would clear up
- could have had stronger world building
- the last episode felt more like vignettes instead of an overarching ending episode and if they are planning a spin off/season 2 then that possible couple should have been shown at the very end or even post credits

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At first I thought that this drama was about a corrupt doctor being sent to prison and doing stuff but it turned out it was a revenge story of a doctor who unexpectedly got caught into a twisted plot and got sent to prison for a crime that he didn't commit. And while Na Ije strive to get his revenge he ended up unraveling the conspiracy between a big corporation involved in healthcare, the prison as well as the political scene.

Namgoong Min was really great at portraying the main character Na Ije, and Ilike the fact that there are scenes where he had to use sign language as Na's mother was deaf. And this was a very interesting twist in dramas involving doctors where the doctor was the one taking revenge.

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Hope versus despair. But, the story is going astray.

Story (6 out of 10)

Love is Panacea perhaps is not everyone's cup of tea. It is a drama, but not dramatic. Its comedy is not comedic/ funny. It is not romantic enough, and not giving us emotional roller-coaster like in LYX's previous romantic comedy and romantic tragedy (e.g. Love is Sweet, Till the End of the Moon). You won't be able to binge watch it or be addicted to it because it is too flat and boring (sorry).

I have finished 20 episodes so far and I want to drop it. After the Lacaya arc, this drama lost its strenght i.e. the story theme. When they highlight Huntington Disease, I thought it would become Chinese "1 Liter of Tears". When they showed economic and social issues as well as the moral dilemma around the society and people with terminal illness or incurable disease (poor Sukun and his AIDS, the tragic general with brain tumor, etc), it is really hit my emotion and sympathy. This arc is like an introduction for the Huntington disease part. I prepared myseld to cry so badly, but... nothing is happened after that.

From Lacaya arc, I learnt that life is basically a tragedy. Many people are unlucky to have a full and free life. Unhappiness is bound to happen. In this context, doctors as part of privileged, powerful, and well-off group in society, plays a big role in bringing back happiness to people' heart. But, when they are back to China, to a luxurious city where nobody is struggling to live, those morale and inspiration are gone! It turned out to be a cheap romance, toxic, inhumane, and full of jealousy. Can't they just focus on the medical story, the support, and healthy romance so we (especially with medical conditions) can relate and feel heard? The story lost its promise.

It is a relief that in the beginning, this drama depicts Dr. Gu as a mature and experienced man as well as a professional and dutiful person. His idealism is the moral of the story. He is a person who have faith, "Instead of letting them die in despair, why don't we let them put up a fight? Sometimes love may create miracles. Everything is worth it when you're with your loved ones." His faith is the premise of this drama. How reliable is his faith to face the next challenge when his beloved is the one with incurable disease? This faith makes him the strongest character (emotionally, intellectually, and morally). Will he always be strong? Nope. Back in China, he turned out to be like an immature young boy, chasing after a woman who repeatedly push him away. The story forgot he is a very much adult. His charisma is destroyed. Why should romance make a person less intelligence? I am so disappointed with his character declined development.

And for the female main, Su Wei'an, her depressed personality is not interesting. We understand how an illness can rob many things from a person. But, the story didn't give us enough explanation for her depression or disappointment (the root cause why she wanted to end her life). Did she has a dream that she invested everything to achieve it? Did she has a family that she wants their happiness so much? Did she has a life that is so promising in other eyes? No exploration about those. And, she knows she had a psychological problem, but why she didn't meet any counselor to get help? Her decision is not logical, in fact she was formerly a medical student and definetely learnt about that kind of thing. She doesn't possess positive mindset and strong mentality, which make me wonder how spoiled is her upbringing?

Other weak parts:
Music. Not memorable. Boring. No banger.
Antagonists: Wen Ran, so egoistic. How could she be a doctor? Dr. Li, insane. How could she be a psychiatrist? I want to punch their faces!
Support characters: Jiang Muying, she is so good in Lacaya. But, in China, she lacks contribution to the story. She is just a side-kick and secret keeper for female lead. Fang Mingfan, he takes so long to solve his phobia, and at best, he is just a commentator of love between the main leads.

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As I've already said a few times, I'm a sucker for time-travel related stories, and it was therefore with pretty high expectations that I started watching this "Toki wo Kakeru Bando" - the title reminiscing of the überfamous "Girl who Leapt through Time" also had something to do with that, as well as the presence in the cast of two of my faves from the current generation of J-actresses, Ohara Yuno and Shiraishi Sei.
The script had its good moments but also some not-so-good ones. As far as I'm concerned, too little focus on the time-slip part and too much on the music - note that this "light music" (in the Japanese sense - "K-On", short for "keiongaku") ain't really my cup of tea, so there's that too (had this been about classical music, or jazz, or blues, or tango, or bossanova, or any of the dozens of musical genres I like better than pop, I think I would've like this series a lot more).
Anyway, the acting was pretty good, particularly from Ohara & Shiraishi but also from Miura.
The production value was OK, and the music objectively catchy.
All in all, not a masterpiece but still a decent series imho. 7/10

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Adorable Love Story with Happy Ending

**Brief Synopsis**
T (CEO): Xia
B (Employee): Yao

- Beginning: T is the CEO of the company B is working at. The story starts when B is hired to be T’s assistant. T, who has been taught to hide all emotions, is taken by B’s optimism and charm and wishes to move their relationship to the next level. But B doesn’t believe T’s sincere in his affections because T’s an CEO and he’s just a normal person.

- Middle: T tries to convince B that he is serious and thinks up numerous ways to get closer to B, even convincing B to let him sleep at his apartment. T is not good with his words because he had never been taught how to deal with his emotions. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings between the two, a source of angst as B realizes that he was starting to fall for T as well (**tears warning**).

- End: Just as T is about to give up, deciding to let B go, B realizes that maybe he misunderstood T after all and finally brought up the courage to confess to T. The story ends with them together with both sets of parents knowing about their relationship and somewhat accepting.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT:
- The actors playing B and T. Their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were cute and sweet. They also do a great job in portraying the affection between the characters.
- I really like that the ending was hinting at a possible wedding (both mothers were calling each other in laws).
- I like how by the end of the show, T has learned how to relax and live his own life, even smiling a lot more.
- I really like the fluffy moments in the last episode after they have accepted each other.
- I actually like the concept of the story despite how cliche it was. Seeing B’s impact on T is very nice.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT IT:
- Very tame intimate scenes which can be a disappointment.
- Plot is extremely simple and predictable. There aren’t any plot twists or memorable moments.
- Usage of miscommunication as source of angst: B thinks that T is playing with him but when T tries to explain, there is always some more miscommunication, leading to more angst.
- The acting from the ensemble cast can get very cringey. The writing tries to go for a comical effect but it fails. The dialogue can get a little awkward as well. The reactions from the characters can get a little exaggerated and unnatural.
- Slow burn, meaning they only got together in the last episode. I would have loved to see more of their daily interactions as a couple.

**Conclusion**
An OK watch but won’t be revisiting again.

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A Slow Burn Romance

I came across this drama, because I've taken a fancy with chinese medical dramas lately. This drama is really a slow burn one, when Zeng Li and Ai Jingchu slowly getting known each other. The first episodes, for me, is still okay, where both of them interacted like a newly fell in love teenagers. They were shy and cared for each other.

I watched it until the end, but I can't bear the last remaining episodes. This drama, like any other typical chinese dramas always ended their problems with drinking, tbh I did't like this way of resolving problems. Like, they had misunderstanding, okay? Why did Ai Jing Chu had to be drunk rather just confessed his feelings. Zeng Li also had so many childish behaviour, when she was already 26, a bit unbearable for me.

But overall, the story was really sweet. I loved how both of them are so compatible, and how Ai Jingchu cared and loved Zeng Li. Other couples are so cute, too. They had their own love story, which I enjoyed despite some flaws.

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I don't usually watch dramas of this genre but I decided to check it out for the male lead Xiao Zhan after watching him in The Longest Promise. And I stayed because of the storyline and the excellent acting by the actors.

The story follows the life of the male lead, Xiao Chun Seng played by Xiao Zhan and his group of friends from their youth days in the 70s through to the early 2000. It's interesting to watch the characters develop against the changing eras in China. And how each character became who they were in life because of the choices they made in their life journey. The story talks about brotherhood, friendship, selfishness, pride, betrayal, frustrations, growth. And all were done not in an overly dramatic way but in a very realistic manner as how we would have reacted as we make our everyday choices in life. There were no real bad guys. The "bad guys" were more grey than bad, they just became who they were because of what life throws at them. Yet, they were given choices but then, there is human nature too. No one is perfect. I would ask myself, if I were Hong Ling, what would my decision be. Would I be like Hong Ling or would I be like Tong Xiao Mei

The cast was excellent. I loved Xiao Chun Seng for his idealism and dreams and cried with him when all seemed bleak. I loved how gentle yet strong Tong Xiao Mei was. I didn't like Yue Guo Hua for his cowardy, yet I pity him and felt for him at the same time. I hated Hong Ling for her pride and selfishness yet I truly understand why she was who she was and admired her pride at the same time.

Except for the last two episodes which seemed to be a bit of a rush, the drama is a good watch. I would have loved to see them tell us a bit more, do a bit more in depth into the ending. Still a very good watch.

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It's aesthetically pleasing to watch, but that's it.

Unfortunately, A Breeze of Love was a let down.

The theme of this drama is pretty much about misunderstandings, and I don't know about you guys but I am so tired of this cliché. As a drama lover though, I've come to accept —not welcome— but just accept misunderstandings because I know it's unavoidable and we need it to build the drama. But I'd just like for the misunderstandings to actually play out in a way that makes sense, not just for the sake of creating angst.

The drama I can draw the closest comparison to, in terms of overall plot, is probably Bon Appetit and Our Dating Sim. These three dramas depict the story of two people who start to form a relationship in highschool/university, get separated suddenly but then they meet again years later and start to rekindle their relationship. ODS was also an 8-episode series of roughly the same 15-minute runtime per episode, but it was able to deliver more than ABOL. Bon Appetit also had more depth to the story but would be unfair to use as a direct comparison since it had a larger runtime. What ODS and BA did much better compared to ABOL is that there was world building, depth to the story and communication. ABOL lacked all of these imo. What we got instead was a short series that was really pretty to watch but didn't offer anything in terms of storyline. It's truly unfortunate because of the good acting from the main leads.

On the note of 'world building' and 'communication', ABOL of course had scenes showing the lives of the main leads at university or with their friends but those scenes were short and still primarily centred around the main couple. And then interestingly enough, because we had less world building, we naturally had a lot more scenes of the main couple, which I would normally be enthusiastic about. However, in this case, those scenes were underutilized. What I mean is, we would have scenes of the main couple together, looking at each other and talking, but it just felt like not much was actually being said. I guess all the slow-mos, voiceovers, and repeated flasbacks didn’t help but even in moments where the couple were together in the present world, I just felt like, for the most part, we weren't getting much information out of them. I would have liked to see the main couple communicate more, especially when they were rekindling their relationship after they reunited, but nope, they didn't dissect what had happened in highschool and why they got separated, instead we just got another misunderstanding that got blown out of proportion yet again. It just felt like there wasn't much character development. There was one scene with a big fight between the couple where their acting skills are truly at their highest form and I really loved it. They were communicating, still not saying exactly what is is that they were angry about, but it was at least something more and I wish we got more of those kind of deep moments.

Although the acting was really good, the chemistry between the leads wasn't really good or bad. It was just there...Definitely not on the same scale as Bon Appetit or ODS. The couple were cute together and mainly because they're such a handsome duo, but that's it.

Honestly I'm sad. I was so stoked for this because the trailer looked so good in terms of production and acting [which I think it did deliver on in these two areas]. The trailer also seemed to give off a serious vibe — like we were going to witness the love story of two people and this big falling out they must have had for one of them to hate the other so much, and the eventual rekindling of their relationship years after their separation. Instead what we got was a basic misunderstanding plot.

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A very good sageuk / investigation with Park Hyung Sik

PLOT: on her wedding day, the FL, daughter of a governor, sees her entire family die. She decides to flee all those who accuse her, with her servant. She ends up with the Crown Prince (the ML) who gives her a position as eunuch and searches with her for clues about these assassinations and the strange/troubling affairs that are shaking the Court... Conspiracies, influence games, revenge, etc. .
The story also highlights the vulnerability (internal and external) of the royal family at this time, and the weight of the great families/clans.

PROS:
- good balance between investigation - humor - action scenes
- The story is carried by Park Hyung Sik (no wonder he received an Award for this role ♡´･ᴗ･`♡) and by FL (Jeon So Nee, actress I didn't know but who is remarkable ).
- Fortunately there is the CL2, excellent, which brings a touch of lightness to this rather dark climate.
- The production is dynamic, the clues are placed in the right place to keep the permanent attention of the viewer.
- The settings, the images are beautiful and some shots are really superb.
- The OSTs are excellent.

CONS:
- A beautiful chemistry between the 2 leads, but really no intimate scene, just a final kiss. It's not enough!!
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Un très bon sageuk / investigation avec Park Hyung Sik

PLOT: le jour de son mariage, la FL, fille d1 gouverneur, voit toute sa famille mourir. Elle décide de fuir tous ceux qui l'accusent avec sa servante. Elle aboutit auprès du Prince Héritier (le ML) qui lui donne un poste d'eunuque et cherche avec elle des indices sur ces assassinats et les affaires étranges/troublantes qui secouent la Cour... Conspirations, jeu d'influence, vengeance, etc.
L'histoire souligne aussi la vulnérabilité (interne et externe) de la famille royale à cette époque, et le poids des grandes familles / clans.

PROS:
- bon équilibre entre investigation - humour - scènes d'action
- L'histoire est portée par Park Hyung Sik (pas étonnant qu'il ait reçu un Award pour ce rôle ♡´･ᴗ･`♡ ) et par la FL (Jeon So Nee, actrice que je ne connaissais pas mais qui est remarquable).
- Heureusement qu'il y a le CL2, excellent, qui apporte une touche de légèreté à ce climat assez sombre.
- La réalisation est rapide, les indices sont posés au bon endroit pour éveiller l'attention permanente du spectateur.
- Les décors, les images sont beaux et certaines prises de vue sont vraiment superbes.
- Les OST sont excellentes.

CONS:
- Une belle alchimie entre les 2 leads, mais vraiment aucune scène d'intimité, juste un kiss final. Un peu juste!!

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Simply adorable.

The 2 leads have carried this show so perfectly that i don't even mind the lack of actual plot and the inconsistent writing. Parker Mao and Xiao Hong are one of the best couple i've seen onscreen in recent days. They are just so great together and their chemistry is so incredible that i would not mind watching another 10 or 20 episodes of sweet delightful nothing, just to see them interact and their build up of sexual tension without even having to do anything special. The looks, the small touches, the laughs just drag you into the world they are creating.
I truly hope to see them work together soon again.

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I Love the Breeze

I am inlove with IQIYI right now. This production is heaven sent! I am so glad i found this.

No need for recap, lets not waste time as you can read the summary from the main title.

What i love:
1. The very good looking leads; It seems like more and more KPOP idols are trying to venture into BLs, i hope its just not for gay business. Irregardless, Shin Jeong You did a good job. Woo Ji Han is also so lovely how could anyone resist that charm.
2. The very good pacing, i love that the story focused on the main leads and gave them the maximum exposure. THey really used the short time so well.
3. The very nice friends, not overexposed. Im also glad Seung Joo found his happy ending;
4. I love love love that they spent one whole finale episode to let us take in the sweetness of their newfound love. Some BLs show us the conflict at the penultimate episode and rush to wrap up things at the finale, im glad this show let us enjoy the main leads as a couple even for just one final episode.

What needs improvement - sorry i cant think of anything right now, im still in cloud 9 after watching this series. I dont think they even need to make it longer, its enough just as it is.

Overall its a 9.5. Speaking of insomnia, I found this drama after a sleepless night and at 7am. I thought Id try watching one episode ended up watching the whole series. Now i can rest. Reccommended for quick watching! Makes the subscription so worth it, IQIYI keep them coming!

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BE for Now (If there isn’t a Season 2)

DROPPED

**REASON**

I stopped watching this show because of its heartbreaking conclusion, where one of the main characters is entangled in a car accident, casting a veil of uncertainty over their fate. The series, classified within the classical family drama genre, unfolds at a deliberate pace, meticulously exploring the dynamics among its characters. Despite the absence of explicit scenes due to censorship, the interactions between the main characters are remarkably tender, authentically conveying a sense of affection. Regrettably, the supporting cast fails to make a lasting impression, and the powerful ending ultimately diminishes the overall enjoyment of the series for me.

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Daily dose of Sunshine for Jung Da Eun

“The Daily Dose of Sunshine series touches on important topics related to mental health and how we should deal with those who have depression. But the plot was completely unrealistic. I suspect that the high ratings may have been influenced by the fame of the actors rather than the content of the plot.

The main character, although she is a nurse, has no idea about the job and any communication with the patients worsens their condition. One patient even tragically committed suicide after talking to her. After that, every other episode was about her depression without any apologies to the grieving family or attendance at the funeral.

Her decision to return to the hospital was surprising and why she was so sure she was good at her job I never understood.

Despite having a supportive colleague and a caring mother, the female lead is depressed and seems somewhat selfish, especially considering that others in the story have faced deep loss and had tragic stories.

The plot seems unfair, as everyone except the female lead is portrayed as hopelessly unhappy, and she, despite having everything, falls into depression. At the end of the series, the team leader defending her right to work, despite being mentally weak and different from the mentally ill, seemed selfish. No patient deserves this life and the truth is that most patients will never be able to go back to their previous lifestyle or work, they will never have the same life as her. The whole story was very unfair .
In fact, you will give this series different thoughts when you put yourself not in the shoes of the female lead, but in the shoes of someone else.
Overall, the plot and character development left me unsatisfied, especially the way the main character's actions and consequences were shown.

But of course a lot of people are more interested in the romance and who the female lead will be end and maybe that was the point of the series and I just expected a lot more and was disappointed. But of course I can't say anything bad about the acting.

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Breathtakingly Beautiful - BEST GMMTV PRODUCTION

This is easily GMMTVs best production. Whenever P’Aouf is involved you can count on beautiful cinematography, great direction and a heartfelt story. Not only does JimmySea have some of the best chemistry out there when it comes to pairs but they’re so versatile with their acting as well! They’ve come a long way since Vice Versa.

The story naturally is something raw. Day has a vision impairment and we’re seeing how he has to accept his current situation and adapt. His family is worried about him and are in sense walking on eggshells around him. Mhok is trying to choose a different path from what he knows after coping with the loss of his sister.

The show does a really good job by representing how ableism in society affects and invalidates someone with an impairment and their feelings. We see how Mhok is helping Day find joy in his life again without feeling like he’s not allowed to continue to do everything he did before his accident. But more importantly we see how Day is opening Mhok up to being more understanding and educated on what it’s like for someone who has a visual impairment.

The way this show portrays someone adjusting to losing their sight is well done but also, they did a good job at showing the way someone who is able to see should treat someone with a visual impairment.
This show does a really great job of showcasing many other prevalent themes in society such as single parents and family dynamics after a life altering accident.

The way Sea portrays Days character is commendable and definitely one of the best performances that I’ve seen in any drama. And I can’t even explain the hurt and agony my heart felt watching Jimmy portrays Mhok. Just truly such a beautiful and well done show.
Ofcourse Mark is outstanding with his character Night and hands down his best performance in any drama he’s been in.
Honestly though my favorite part about the show has got to be the way it’s shot. Not only cinematography wise but directional as well.

I loved everything about the show except Day getting his sight back. It felt like a cop out and easy route when it could’ve been more impactful with them giving him a more realistic ending. The whole show was around Day learning to accept his new reality but also appreciating everything in a whole new light. I also didn’t like the direction of how Mhok and him broke up but then reunited. There could’ve been a better way that the ending was done in my opinion but overall the show was great.

I love how finally in the BL world we’re slightly shifting from trivial high school and college plots but dipping our toes into more raw and meaningful stories.
This drama and the entire cast deserve endless success!!
Everything about this show is 10/10.

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