I enjoyed this rom-com more than I expected. Perhaps it may be because of its short run typical of Japanese drama that allows all the essence to be compact without being draggy., unlike the long and drawn out fifty-episodic offerings from other countries.

First, it shows the typical Japanese work culture where everyone is worked to the bone and doing overtime is common and even expected. Shikamori Umi is no stranger to this and continues to run around until she reaches a limit.

Second, the drama demonstrates that change is possible when Umi gets recruited as an intern at an agency, where a very different and refreshing work culture has been established.

Suzuki Airi is a natural, transitioning from a bare-faced, exhausted employee to a spritely, newly motivated worker who wants to try her best at everything, even over-extending herself sometimes. But she realizes that just fell back into the habit of over-pleasing others.

Her coworkers, her new boss and especially Kazao, and even Hina manifest ideas that shape Umi’s worldview, in that working hard is commendable, but also is taking time for yourself. The cast was supportive of Umi’s endeavors and she finally learns to be independent.

This drama was delightful and gratifying. Also neat was the trivial fact that three of the male actors in this show were in other BL dramas that I’ve watched. I did not even recognize Izuka Kenta in that whatchamacallit hairstyle.

Read More

This is one of those dramas where I would have been fine without the two leads ending up together. It’s not that I had an issue with watching student-teacher relationships, as I’ve seen tons. But the execution, and the backstory towards the end of when Murai first fell in love with Tanaka wasn’t sitting well with me. I actually would have preferred if Tanaka end up marrying her colleague Yamakado, whom she had more chemistry with.

The romance feels very one-sided, or perhaps this was the show’s intention I don’t know. But I think it was really more of an escapism on Ayano’s part, and only after confronting her own ambiguous feelings for Murai did she break free of her illusion from Hitotose, an online game character who she has been obsessed with, as his eyes reminded her of her friend’s (Really weird if you ask me, if you find out who). I wasn’t also keen on the second couple, where there was lack of development, nor rhyme or reason why Yayo-chan should be with Hirai.

The only saving grace about this drama is that it keeps reminding us that it is wrong to be in a relationship with a minor, from Ayano herself who tells Murai this, to Yamakado reminding Ayano that this is one line people shouldn’t cross, to the ending that thankfully does not show any further skinship between the two.

Read More

Though the relationship between teacher and student serves as its backdrop, it is not the taboo aspect that should stand out, nor does this drama romanticize grooming as some may be inclined to believe. They handled the triggering subject of suicide with care and caution, with the insistence that there is so much to live for, despite what one might think as a life-ending suffering. Mikoto felt that there was no more future for her after she was rejected by her first love when she encounters her teacher on the rooftop. Haibi Jin distracts Mikoto with absurd requests or plies Mikoto with off-hand comments to distract her from her goal.

We learn that Haiba Jin was also once in what he deemed as dire strait, when his mentor tried to dissuade him from ending his own life. And it was because of this life-changing moment that Haibi Jin paid it forward and gave Mikoto a purpose. When Mikoto learns nothing is worth dying for, she develops genuine feelings for Jin.

There are many things in this drama that some people may find problematic, but the show is cognizant of these situations, for example, when Haibi Jin can be considered as stalking Mikoto around town, all he was really doing is ensuring she does not make another attempt at her own life. The show also mocks itself by injecting dry humor and reminds us not to take this drama at its face value.

At its core, this drama highlights the importance of the will to live for oneself, as much as for others, without trivializing the hardships that one may encounter as no more than experiences that one must go through in life in order to be stronger.

Read More

This series managed to pack a decent plot in such a short length. I was dubious at first how the face-swapping could be achieved in this scenario, fearing that it would lead to much confusion, but surprisingly it did not. Although I would have liked the reverse happened, with Kay Song portraying Shi Qi and Ke Ying to be Shen Qin, the current casting also worked well in this case. I became more intrigued the more that I watched, especially wanting the ML's to discover the switch. But I was mildly disappointed towards the end when Shi Qi did not get her face back. The plot twist was not nearly as unexpected but it was definitely a good effort.

Read More

This drama starts off with a cliché, over-bearing CEO who is wooden and unemotional, finding how to interact with a quirky, happy-go-lucky child psychologist.

It’s the second time I’ve seen Wei Zhe Ming in this type of role and frankly, there was no difference from his stint as Zhang Si Nian in Perfect and Casual. He has the same robotic expression but fortunately for him (or rather his character), that he’s rich, handsome and powerful and that this can be easily overlooked.

Hu Yi Xuan is not too shabby as Qin Yi Yue, especially in the first half of the drama, where she had more spunk and personality when she goes against Qiao Yan’s dictatorial demands framed as requests. She flies by the seat of her pants when dealing with her personal life and makes decisions based on feelings.

The two are a match made in heaven as they counterbalance each other, but the catalyst between them is certainly the adorable munchkin Xiao Bao who seems to be unanimously voted by the viewers as the star of the show. For his debut drama, Lennon Sun is a natural as he delivers a performance rarely seen in kid actors, especially in those beginning episodes where he had no dialogue to speak of.

The rest of the cast try their best to work with the script as they guide their one-dimensional characters through development. Ruo Wei and Wen Gu act as sounding boards to the lead characters while navigating their own romance. Whereas a contract binds the leads together, a bet stands between the SML and SFL to see who falls for the other first. Another cliché where the strong-willed female manages to tame the spoiled-rich, playboy into submission.

Add in a calculating aunt (in the absence of an evil mother), a self-entitled childhood friend (in place of a clingy ex-girlfriend), or a brooding third male lead bearing unrequited love. Throw in an accident or two, and some tropey plot device like amnesia or disability, then you have your basic ingredients for a C-drama recipe. For added flourish, mix in a glimpse of a tragic past or some form of trauma. Also don’t forget the coincidence of all coincidences.

Surprisingly, I didn’t touch the fast forward button on this one, despite the few times where I almost gave in to that temptation. The first half was certainly stronger than the back half where the resolution seems rushed towards the end. Also, I found quite a few loopholes where the drama introduced some of the character’s backstory without it ever having fully explored or concluded. The show also tried to force a third pairing in the last two episodes where I see no rhyme or reason to do so. Some of the conflicts to me seemed unnecessary and weak.

Despite this lackluster review, “Unforgettable Love” is a decent watch and entertaining if you don’t take its faults too seriously. To its credit, the show also teaches you the importance of found family, as well as gathering the strength to move on from the past and how to live in the present.

Read More

What can I say about this highly entertaining drama? That it's certain exceeded my expectations and it’s a hoot!

Park Jo Hyun’s performance as the crazy swindler was on point, as her character goes about the world jumping in sticky situations and getting out the next with her out-of-the box thinking. Ye So Rang’s highly observant skills and wealth of knowledge aided in her portrayal of the dead princess’ lost spirit that the King believed her powers of shamanism to be real.

For his part, Kim Young Dae tried to be his best as the brooding widower Lee Heon, who pines for his dead wife even after years after her death. So when he hears of the possibility that he can see his wife’s spirit, the King eats up So Rang’s lies as a kid eating candy. Hilarity ensues as Ye So Rang weaves her tale larger than the last, and the oblivious Lee Heon could not determine whether he’s speaking to So Rang or to the dead princess, and lines get blurred.

But there’s someone who probably knows So Rang’s secret: the King’s best friend, right hand man, Lee Shin Won, who is relegated to his role as the second fiddle, third wheel in the love triangle. Kim Woo Seok is decent as the second male lead, as his stoic stance, quiet demeanor completes his loyal-to-a-fault, kicked-puppy-dog look, that he can only be So Rang’s really good friend at best.

This show has a good, solid ensemble cast, from the courtyard couple Royal Nanny and Chief Eunuch to the band of Mosuldan’s (probably incels in today’s world). Everyone has their own little part of the story and are quite interesting characters in their own right, like the cunning fortune teller, the erotic author, and other people who give color to this drama.

The Forbidden Marriage is equal parts romance, drama, comedy, and politics, not one aspect too overpowering to take over another. Even the villains are not so villainy like in other dramas where I want to throw their heads against the wall, although sometimes I feel it’s justified only to wipe the smug grins off their faces.

Though it became a tad serious at the end, and lost a little bit of steam, this drama is an enjoyable watch.

Read More

I am a sucker for friends-turned-lovers type of drama and this one certainly fits the bill. Soundtrack #1 tells the story of Eun Soo, a struggling lyricist trying to come up with meaningful words to accompany a song but she comes up short. The lack of emotional depth that she uses in her lyrics was the main issue according to the music producer. She believes this is the case because she hasn't experienced a love strong enough to conjure up those feelings (or so she thought). Meanwhile, her best friend of twenty years Sun Woo is the epitome of unrequited love, pining for Eun Soo in ways that everyone notices except for the oblivious target.

I almost did not recognize Park Hyung Sik from SWDBS as he broods quietly on the sideline, while Song Hye Kyo's doppelganger Han So Hee is decent as the object of his affections. I also liked the fact that the production team used music and imagery to reflect the different stages of the MCs' relationship. Alternatively, this isn't a drama that needed a whole thesis deconstructing the plot devices or in person narratives due to its short length. It is meant to be enjoyed as it is, a bittersweet journey of two people finally finding love after two decades.

Read More

I did not have high expectations going into this aside from passing entertainment,, but this drama surprised me in many ways. The premise of an employee pining for her boss is a familiar trope, with the hopes that someday she will end up happily with him. But upon living with strangers, the FL learned that there is life outside of work, and that she does not have to be "on" all the time. The other characters in the share house each provide a representation of life view.

There is Shun who lived minimally after a set-back, despite aspiring to have his own restaurant. Then there's Ryuhei who gives advice to everyone but does not do well managing his own love life. There's Ayaka, the dream chaser, who does not know that it's okay if things don't turn out as they planned. Then there's Sachi the boss, who realizes too late, that somebody who is always at his side, does not mean she will be there forever. There's also the landlady, Kuoko, who does not cater to traditional views and become complacent in her situation when the absentee husband is nowhere to be found until after their marriage dissolved.

This drama turned out to be much more meaningful than just a light-hearted rom-com. It imparted life lessons on how we should live our life to the fullest, but also learn how to stop and smell the roses.

Read More

Story: Two friends on a motorbike because one is jobless and the other left his things at his ex-girlfriend’s place. With this plot, I really do not expect much of a story.

Acting/Cast: Middling as this was supposed to be an LGBTQ story but the way the two actors portray it, they could just be friends. I could not even feel the pining.

Music: Bland at best.

Rewatch Value: Nah.

Overall: This short film tries to be artistic and profound but fails in execution. Although we are supposed to believe that one MC is in love with the other who is oblivious to his friend’s feelings, but the portrayal leaves so much to be desired. All we see is one trudging up a mountain just following whatever the other says, and coming down without accomplishing anything. It’s like taking a trip to the department store but coming up empty-handed.

Read More

Story: A slut meets a stalker. It looks like somebody really wanted to tell this story enough to make a short film out of it, but since there’s nothing much to go by, just throw in some weird sex. Whelp, apparently that was good enough of a plot (but we know it ain’t).

Acting/Cast: Looks like they picked randos on the street, or maybe these actors volunteered for their 14 minutes of fame, or rather obscurity.

Music: Didn’t even notice, but maybe they should the background noise to “creepy”

Rewatch Value: Sure, if you wanted to see pasty white skin or the improper use of cuffs.

Overall: Probably the moral lesson it wants to impart is not to dismiss stalkers, as they may actually save you from rapists. It’s like yay! But really, no.

Read More

Story: A coming-of-age story set in the future, where people can choose their gender when they reach the age of majority. The conflict of choices from the main character, whether to go with what he feels like or whether to decide his gender based on the preference of his love interest, was warring on screen.

Acting/Cast: Nothing remarkable to note.

Music: Nothing remarkable to note.

Rewatch Value: Maybe if only to clarify some of the scenes that suffered from poor editing or script writing.

Overall: The short film attempts to deconstruct gender stereotypes, by imagining a world where we can choose our gender as a part of a standard program, where identifying with another gender that you are born with, will be the norm, but the execution falls short of its aim.

Read More

The drama started out strong until it fizzled out halfway that even my favorite actress Zhao Lu Si cannot save it. Liu Te as Ling Yue was interesting in the beginning as the domineering CEO until his love-sickness for An Xin just took away his personality and expressions along with it. The rest of the characters didn't fare better as they are so one-dimensional that you can print out their cardboards. Xin Er in particular was grating on my nerves, the cliché SML who doesn't know when to give up. Not different from the clingy SML are the stalky, obsessive brothers who come across as desperate while courting the objects of their affection.

I fast forwarded the last half of the show, and even the plot twist seemed forced and came out of left field, inserted only for the sake of a last hurrah. The attempt failed as I didn't care much about the characters. The drama had a lot of unnecessary fillers and could have been finished in half the length.

Read More

THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PART 1&2:

I did not expect to like this drama more than I did, mainly because I was ho-hum about Yang Zi as an actress despite watching a few of her dramas, but she was much better in this one, IMHO. The show definitely benefitted from the acting prowess of the cast, with Cheng Yi in particular. He was more subdued here and not a long-suffering idiot like he was in "Love and Redemption," which I liked.

Though a bit convoluted, the drama was fast-paced and rarely boring. There's a few downsides though: I do not know how much more repeated reincarnations that I can take. This seems to be the go-to tropes of historical dramas, but this one is a bit much, especially with the same evil resurrecting a few times, it became annoying AF. Also, the CGI is not the greatest, I would say even to the point of particularly bad and laughable in some instances. But all in all a good story about love and sacrifice.

Read More

THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PART 1&2:

I did not expect to like this drama more than I did, mainly because I was ho-hum about Yang Zi as an actress despite watching a few of her dramas, but she was much better in this one, IMHO. The show definitely benefitted from the acting prowess of the cast, with Cheng Yi in particular. He was more subdued here and not a long-suffering idiot like he was in "Love and Redemption," which I liked.

Though a bit convoluted, the drama was fast-paced and rarely boring. There's a few downsides though: I do not know how much more repeated reincarnations that I can take. This seems to be the go-to tropes of historical dramas, but this one is a bit much, especially with the same evil resurrecting a few times, it became annoying AF. Also, the CGI is not the greatest, I would say even to the point of particularly bad and laughable in some instances. But all in all a good story about love and sacrifice.

Read More

I almost passed on this drama because of reviews that say it was boring, the FL looking too old and homey for the ML, etc. etc. But I gave it a chance, and I was glad that I did. Right of the bat, I must say, that it took some getting used to the style of the drama, particularly not so much as the FL isn't your typical hottie older noona with the unfashionable clothes. But I have to put her wardrobe choice down to its context, and when we see the FL as the unmarried lady, who single-handedly took care of her mentally-challenged brother and her young niece since she was a teen, with very little money to her name, we can see that her lack of fashion sense was befitting. She had no time to be up-to-date with current trends, with so much responsibility in her hands. Kudos to the writer and production team to cast Jeon Do Yeon as Nam Haeng Seon. She was down-to-earth and at the same time quirky.

The rest of the cast were amazing as well, in particular Oh Eui Shik and Roh Yoon Seo as Nam Jae Woo and Nam Hae Yi. The drama carried a hodge-podge of themes: the noona-romance, the bestfriends-turned-lovers trope, a murder mystery, the political machinations behind the private education system, the prejudice towards "lower" social classes, the adverse effects of rumor-mongering, the treatment of those who are mentally-ill.

Some may claim that the FL does not deserve the "princely" ML (because of the disparity in looks and age), but I have to disagree. Choi Chi Yeol was set up since the beginning to be a person who values emotional ties, than superficial ones. He gets teary eyed just from eating the familiar flavors of Haeng Seon's cooking, despite not knowing who the chef is. He rejected the blind date set up for him, even though the woman's qualifications look good on paper and she was easy on the eyes. People bashing on his taste in women is the typical reaction of some fans who took issue with the FL's "unattractiveness."

News Flash: Not every body can look like a model and have a "perfect" personality. I like this drama that is rooted in realism and it is about time that we get more of these type of shows.

Read More