RPX

Dance is just a cover for watching hot men make out... and am I happy about it?

No, I am not.

Oh my god. I was so excited for this one.

When I saw the trailer, I immediately subscribed to the notification bell.

We have to start from somewhere so why not with the title. Why this title? The title was referring to the competition and it becomes increasingly irrelevant as the movie progresses. Not to miss pointing out that this competition does not take place by the end of the movie (is it spoiler? what am I spoiling exactly? we don't even know why the competition is not in the movie after which movie was named).

My frustration about evident laziness is reaching a boiling point

....what will take it there is not weakly developed main characters, female dancers portrayed as useless and expendable nor randomly placed blond plot twist which was not twisting...

it is that the trailer gave off this impression that dancing is their world and they manoeuver this intrinsic mystique, sensuality and dominance that dance possesses the best.... and that would lead to explosion when the two bests meet each other.

I ate it up and couldn't wait to see this clash. Because the only special thing about this movie is the DANCE aspect. That they are dancers. We have seen BLs with rivalry, bad upbringing etc. etc. but professional dancers from different sides falling in love? Not that I know of!

They instead exploited this intrinsic sensuality of professional dancing to hide lack of plot and cliche' characterisation. First of all, the dancing does not look clean or professional. I can tell you I was not convinced by their dancing at all.

Secondly, male leads are developed weirdly chauvinistic, both of them. Sugiki really was not likeable character at all. And all of his motivations scream chauvinism to me, that does not make sense that they serve dance narrative. Dance is sport with two parties that are essential to the other. The whole movie is portrayed in a bit of hmm discriminatory manner? It is paradoxical cos it is supposed to be breaking traditional role of couple in dance and life.

Then, I understand Suzuki is supposed to be polar opposite from Sugiki, but what is with this representation of hot/wild latinoamerican dancer? Too obvious my man, there is subtlety to everything. Like what is with those reactions in every dance and then literally wielding the female dancer as a tool? I am kind of also slightly offended that they used the concept of dancing in service of what? audience seeing hot men making out?

I thought the dance was the igniter to the fire, not the burned down object..which it ended up being.

I would still put it as a recommend to try out, but it is not a rewatch for me. It has a nice cinematography. Actors are okay. A lot of thirst traps. And some cringy plot wrapped in dance.

Thanks for reading. Bon appetit! :')

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Takara is a snack, and makes this whole viewing experience not a complete waste of time

I have been bedazzled by the appearance of Takara. He gives off strong Cha Eunwoo vibe to me. I just waited for his scenes all the time. Nothing spectacular in the way the young actor delivered his role, but he seemed in tune with Takara, and his acting was natural for the most part; better said, it was fitting of his role. He was even funny in certain instances.

I can say that the whole drama was more focused on Takara than on supposed protagonist, Taishin.

As for Taishin, I am frustrated beyond understanding. I don't know what it is about my Japanese drama choices that whichever one I pick up there is a whimpy, extra dependant stuttering second lead. Why write script like that? Is there truly an audience that loves this? The darkness falls onto my eyes thinking that this "exploitation of the other as love" is a real fetish but this is a second drama I watched perpetuating the trope.

And why does Takara start liking Taishin? Ok, the eyes and the glass connection, ok I get it, and the sense of full control, I get it. But everyone likes Takara, so why choose Taishin in particular for that purpose? Really poor character development for Taishin. And their chemistry was, well not terrible and disruptive, but certainy lacking.

Takara's tiny reveal of his character being like his mother's was gold and I wished it was explored more because that would make this drama more meaningful.. if that is possible at all.

I mean, only for Takara I am recommending this one because he is easy on the eyes. Otherwise, skip and you will miss nothing.

Thanks for reading,

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Gentle love in the world of violence. Also, Dokyeom-ah, is that you?

I was so taken by this drama. After somewhat of a slump which left me dropping each drama after an episode or two, I needed this, palate cleanser, if you will.

Focused entirely on story line, this one portrayed genuine growth in feelings between two people. It felt genuine, the build up. Chemistry between the leads was on point.

Acting? Superb. The amount of information that you get from the subtle glances and expressions was so appropriate and gave nuance to this drama that many others lack. These actors know their job and were perfectly cast. And I don't remember praising this so distinctly in my other reviews.

While writing this review I am realising that while it is in your face with violence, the drama was rather subtle and leaving you imagining about many intentions and reasons. Ho Cho Sam's family plot, heavy but dropped. Ha Luk Yat's family drama, absolutely insanely interesting plot point, but dropped early. Ha Luk Yat's feelings, well cannot say more except that they keep us on our toes until, the very, end.

So the plot choices themselves, I may have qualms with. It was going too fast in my opinion, especially if it stays on one season. This I could see as a movie and I would predict many BL non audience would watch. But for a drama, would have loved more scenes and complications with sister and husband. Also the jealousy subplot instigated by 'that' guy was somewhat meh. I wished there was more of genuine interest. Also more of affirmed love between the leads rather being exploratory and subtle until the very end. So we must get season 2 and hopefully season 3.

Comedic and graphic murder scenes were there as well, dealt in somewhat ''oh, it is all in one's day", which I felt was a choice meshed with their emphasis on comedy and clumsiness. Ultimately what had been revealed was a fragile humanity underneath. I can appreciate this.

Despite this review may read 'mixed feelings', there are no mixed conclusions about this drama. So far, absolute winner of 2026 for me. And surprisingly high quality for a BL.

Also guys, doesn't Ha Luk Yat look like Seventeen's DK?

A recommend!
Thanks for reading.
RXP

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Only this dream of a cast can carry such underwhelming plot

I cannot stop thinking about it. What a stellar cast was assembled in S2. It makes absolute sense that in S2, arguably the most famous Korean show, gets onboard the most phenomenal Korean actors of our time. How did they get them all is beyond me? And all those brilliant actors competed for viewer's attention. How delicious and exciting! Keep reading to see who won over mine...

One right move was to bring S1 actors in a different light. Time has passed and they changed. Lee Jung Jae as Gi Hun was a different character from S1, physically and mentally. Although his decision to not board that plane...was the wrong one, indeed. Then Gong Yoo in his convincing comeback as the salesman. He was well loved for his short cameo in S1 and I was so happy to see him back with some development. Then Lee Byung Hun as In Ho... tbh him joining the characters in such manner was unexpected and intriguing. Although he lost me throughout and if his story was to be the center, the mission was not accomplished as S2 was so scattered. Wi Ha Joon as Jun Ho did not shine at all, the focus was not on him, and the plot placed him nowhere.

As for the newcomers -- the producer brought their A game with all that cash from S1. What an ensemble!!! Probably 70% of my favorite Korean actors came together in S2. We got Kang Ha Neul as Dae Ho, who delivered perfectly his golden-wimpy convincing character. Then we got Park SungHoon. Please tell me how many words are enough to explain the brilliant performance he gave as Hyeon Ju. He is definitely the best performance of S2. There I said it, he won the competition of the attention. And the mere fact people are now taking this away from him, trying to bury him as if he is hateful towards transgender people -- please, why would he be ACTING as one. And everyone, I mean EVERYONE was pleasantly surprised by his performance. Stop cancelling Korean actors for everything for God's sake. We are losing art over here and they are losing their careers.

...And finally, my increasingly fave actor Yim Si Wan. You gotta make the best out of Siwan, he truly can give every movie award potential. He is a great actor and needed a stronger role. But I understand he is not as established as some of the others. I hope more complex character arc is coming in S3.

I mean all three of them really: Ha Neul, Sunghoon and Si Wan can carry the heavy role so give them sufficient backstory. S2 was disappointing in such sense.

There is no point in missing it if you watched S1, but it seems like a trap for S3, because nothing really happened.

Thanks for reading.

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Well... nothing happened really... except some fluff

What was great about this one is that it told three different stories.

And Kim An's back story seemed interesting and complex. But writers quickly abandoned his development.

However, despite moving on quickly the show dragged its short 10 episodes.

It was hard to invest oneself into any of three relationship because these were superficially covered. I though the actor who was Hyun did a great job. Him and Kim An sort of had some development and backstory. However Minwoo and Maru, who put them together? Also Minwoo's behavior strongly suggested something was not exactly right with him and since it did not get revealed I just get a strange vibe altogether.

Acting really was not strong in this one.

It is 10x20min episodes but it is a pass from me.

There are much better fluffy options with great plot, acting, chemistry. if interested check out my fluff playlist as I cannot remember exact names of dramas.

If you decide to watch it, enjoy...
And Thanks for reading!

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Believable up to a point... with side characters carrying this drama

I enjoyed this drama but cannot say that I was captivated by it like everyone else. The story lost me as we approached the end, and the love story between the leads did not have most natural transition or justification.
"Only them understand each other fully" - ok, and?

The initial premise of getting a second chance was emphasized in the beginning, and almost completely abandoned as the show approached the end. Both Jiang Ning and Xie Wei were not strong enough as leads in my opinion.

Also while we are talking about inconsistencies -- I just did not realize why would Ning liked the partners she did. Like for instance Zhang Zhe... itis beyond my understanding, she liked him because he was a righteous man? Is that it?

As for positives, Yan Lin is definitely my favorite. He was gracious and consistent and brave and courageous, and handsome. Then Xie Wei's retinue: Dao Qin and Jian Shu, Lu Xian and Dingfei.. they were so loyal and faithful that I loved seeing their genuine encounters and friendship. Also princess Le Yang, she did a wonderful job to be impactful in few scenes she had.

Gotta say, a lot of charm of this drama comes from the supporting characters. Watch it if you like historical dramas but it will likely not be your favorite one, like Rise of the Phoenix was for me.

Thank you for reading.

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Did we watch a different drama? Special premise and that is all

I am wondering what am I missing. Can someone enlighten me please. What was 'the best drama I ever watched' about this?

Myeong-ha was definitely a great character and props to the actor behind him. Caring. Responsible. His writing was interesting. I liked Sangwon too, I thought his position was very unusual and appealing for a BL, but also underdeveloped. He had a lot of potential.

As for Yeo-woon, I did not believe the character one sec. The chemistry between the leads was lacking left and right. I cannot with that really. He was very one dimensional for me.

Perhaps it is about somewhat misplaced casting, too few episodes for the meaning to prevail or not great writing.

Sometimes cute, sometimes engaging most times left me quite unmoved - meh. It is 8 x 40min, so not too long. The story is unique and Tae Myung-ha is crush worthy so up for you to decide.

Thanks for reading.

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mostly Mates and then some Soul (wrenching plot)

There was something genuine in here, which drew so much emotion out of me. The last two episodes, I was crying without stopping.

However, I cannot say that this show was good. Why? Their relationship was not well developed. Chemistry where. While I could see Ryu trying for a bit of chemistry to surface, Johan is like a board; almost too immersed into his character that he forgets that the character exists because of Ryu. I understand no overt bl or whatever the script said, but I felt I see kdrama roles and kpop members acting more touchy feely than these two. They really could have umped it up for at least a notch with platonic touches. Just to see some closeness between the leads cos I did not get any via dialogue. Ryu literally hugs Johan the same way he hugs Sumiko, cmon. They could have brought Arata back to show the jealousy subplot but nah, they put like 100th random disaster.

Their characters were not well developed. Ryo's interest in hockey dissipated almost as quickly as Arata from the plot. And then all those random plot twists for the shock effect? hmm, not impressed because they are obviously a lazy filler.

Idk, I would say that acting was relatively good but chemistry was zero. Is that an oxymoron? well maybe but I feel it is true. Maybe the genre caused some insecurity in the leads or we can blame it as always on the lack of quality script.

I would still recommend this one.

Thanks for reading,
RPX

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Acting was great but narrative could have been tighter

The chemistry between the leads was palpable. The first 18 or so episodes kept me engaged, and then the plot took unnecessary turns that they could not justify with narrative or budget. They could have kept this to 16 without issues. So why stretch it? It had a lot going for it, but I forgot everything good because the story became more and more ridiculous as it went on.

Actors did a great job, overall. There was a standout and it was the actor behind Chi Cheng. I, by no means, have found him appealing or attractive before seeing his acting. But afterwards, I was just waiting for his scenes. I think he may be a truly promising actor. His mannerisms and reactions seem just so appropriate to his character. Also friendship between Chi Cheng him Cheng Yu was wholesome. Altho why is it so deep was unclear.

I cannot fully trash the story as I appreciated subtle mature moments, such as the way they overcame the main hurdle of the plot. Also Xiao Shuai as the doctor was cute and interesting.

So you see I am full of confusion. I would recommend this drama as a watch. Output was pretty decent and I agree, it was decent. I would watch both leads in dramas again, this drama deserves a rewatch as well, it just was not particularly memorable as a whole.

Thank you for reading.

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Weak script inflated x 10 by superb acting

Well, first of all, they are not blood related brothers, so it does not get as weird as the premise suggests.

Secondly, I thought the acting was one of the best I have seen in a while. That being said the script and storyline is disappointing.

The actor who did Wei Qian did an amazing job in the first leg of episodes. His reactions made everything realistic and more punchy. And for Yuan, again the actor did well, but his character was thin as paper. Plot meh. The understanding as to why his feeling emerge were, well, obvious but then not really justified, iykwim -- then every adopted child would turn out with the same decisions.

Well, as we get to the breakthrough, they funnily enough lose rationale (why Wei Qian changed his mind?) but the chemistry between the actors was good if not amazing. More realistic hookup I yet have to see.

I would say the story is disappointing and rather weak, acting and chemistry is great, truly. Give it a chance.

Thanks for reading.
RP

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You wanna a movie on bullying? There're far better options...As for more handsome options? Maybe not

My first thought about this movie -- rather juvenile.

Story that can be fed to an elementary schooler and then maybe early high schooler. Even young adult may struggle with this thin-paper narrative. I can name three different dramas dealing with bullying that had some substance. Very low in quality, this one. Whoever is funding this, they gave all the money to two leads to carry this stupid narrative, and the rest were paid in candies.

8.4 of what? those candies maybe. Per person.

From the beginning until the end the story did not make sense...The cat narrative, and the fighting with students...and whole school being submissive to a bully for always the same reason. Bully's parent? Ofc crazy. Where is father? who knows. And whole school bows to her? But of course. The headmaster bows down to the student? Why do you ask. Cmon, how much longer do I need to go? I am yawning as I type. It is getting a bit old, all of this, our k-drama patriots, yes?

Also why was the teacher passionate about teaching? why was she teaching Ethics? what was the depth of issue with the father? The movie started interesting, at the beginning took somewhat comedic tone with Si Min being realistically selfish because her survival was at hand...I got hopeful for somewhat refreshing take on this long-standing topic...and then pam-pam she switches for god knows why into fighter without boundaries or reason. Shin Hae-sun did a good job in her role of So Si Min, don't get me wrong. Her character I have problems with.

As for the antagonist. Let me deal with Lee Jun-young -- he just does these expressions that scream evil and he does them so well. That being said, no matter how attractive he was, there was too much of him on screen for how little we know about him. Why was he like this? Why were others following him, cos of fear? Lazy work. Why was his mother scared of him? We don't know anything. And we don't ask cos Jun-young can build up tension and chemistry with a tree. And whoever made this movie definitely used (if not exploited) this. I felt none of supporting characters were present in my memory, almost like the script did not exist for them. A shame really, some lazy work. Especially cos supporting cast had potential (like bully Cha Woo Min as Lee Mun Gi or the grandma acted by Son Sook). There were some good actors casted here, but they had no scenes.

This is how I see scriptwriters going about this...they saw that Jun-young does villain great and looks great, so let's make him fight and do crazy laugh for 90 minutes, the girls are gonna eat it up, yes? Well, maybe that is what gives you 8.4 score on this movie.

But the quality of this movie, if it goes over 6, I can delete this account. Very commendable for him to carry this movie but I think also his acting by the end of the movie started to feel repetitive as his character was always on screen and always doing the same thing.

Overall disappointing...I do not suggest you to watch it.

I think if you are only watching it for Lee Jun-young, you can watch Weak Hero, and have a great time along with some great acting (where he also acts as a villainesque character) and it also tackles bullying topic.

Tnx for reading,
RXP

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What is the role of the abnormal? While lacking, certainly thought-provoking

Most of the movie I was in a state of -- Ok, ok, interesting, boring, typical, oh ok, obsession, ok. what is with this pacing. Ah. come again. boring, typical, hm. Then?

As you follow the movie you notice an interesting pattern. All the characters had a specific pattern in their thinking. Tragedy - Unbearable pain - Justification - New behaviour. How do they turn a neutral stimulus into an explanation? Then into conviction, into justification.

The last quarter of the movie, one of the characters said quite a profound thing:

"You think it's all your fault.
He blamed his tragedy on the monster.
The third on, God's revelation.
You blame yourself.
These sound different but they're actually the same.
You all fixated on one thing as the cause of a situation.
Most tragedies are caused by a combination of circumstances we can't control.
Devil, monsters and the like, they are created by people seeking justification."

It kind of shook me because indeed seems plausible.

What if our anxieties are justifications for something?

Overall, a worthwhile psychological breakdown. Last 15 minutes saved this movie. Even though production was lacking, the story was intriguing and thought-provoking.

A recommend.

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What it promises, it delivers -- nothing more and nothing less! But is there more to promise?

In ten episodes, I do not think so. This output perfectly captures this drama -- what it promises, it delivers -- nothing more and nothing less!

The actors this a fantastic job with their roles. I believed each one of them, from the most annoying to most desparate one.

The premise of the drama was blatantly clear, and was bluntly beated into viewer's forehead from episode to episode. Repeat after me: "Hierarchies are fundamental part of social fabric from the childhood to adulthood... And you cannot escape them." There are always ways to trap you into a layer where the powerful want you to be. And often times to climb voluntarily social ladder one sacrifices integrity and sense of morality. Because the pyramid, you see, it is not theirs. But of someone else, and in this drama it belongs to one character.

Ok, got it. Next? Oh not much really, from episode 1-10 this is the take home message. Which for a short drama I do consider a message being delivered. Mission completed and all that.

Another great theme tackled at the end of the drama was the concept of bystander.

There are almost no bad standouts to point out. The manipulation strategies of the main antagonist over the adults were slightly, to put it kindly, unrealistic. For the rest, it serves the story and very well could've reflected the reality.

Not particularly entertaining watch, I am not moved or anything but I cannot find wrong things with the project. If you do like these dramas that reflect on social issues, this might be a great one for you.

Thanks for reading.

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Efficient and throws a meaningful punch at quite a few topics

There was not a single thing unnecessary in this drama.

No dragging. No ridiculous subplots. Zero useless characters. Each one was developed.

Superb chemistry. Real emotion. Believable progression.

You can see where I am going with this. One word is efficient in all of its goals which were hefty for this drama.

The topics treated in this drama went beyond relationship and sexuality. They touched upon power structures (they even inserted Orwell in there), revenge, love across ages, depression... what touched me the most: the unconditional friendship. The prefect trio were really perfect friends to each other, admirable in the consistency of their support.

Soundtrack gives me Troye Sivan vibes and it is memorable. Not many hot scenes. More on the character development typa bl. I was not emotionally moved by cinematography or story but I cannot see any minuses really.

If it was not obvious..An absolute recommend.

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Unbelievably real and hardworking drama... Love was put in this project and I wholeheartedly felt it

A true ode to psychiatric professions with imo perfect execution... that gives brightness and dignity to heavy topics.

How needed was it...I did not even realize. not just for Korea but the rest of the international audience. It is just strange execution. Very careful, I would say.

Viewers are constantly made to be switching perspectives. First you are a sufferer, then caregiver, and then parent or a loved one, and then friend of a sufferer. Too many! And regardless, each perspective was never superficial, exaggerated or careless take on the topic.

About lessons...
In one memorable episode, in bouts of frustration, a depressed patient expressed their rejection of diagnosis to their bipolar neighbour. And in response, the bipolar patient said how "when our ear hurts we trust ENT doctor to know what to do. When we get stabbed we trust surgeon to know what to do. Why don't we trust psychiatrist to know what to do when our mind is sick. We are not objective about ourselves. That is why we trust them." -- Something along these lines -- I absolutely loved these peaks of non pretentious wisdom.

I am proud of the director.
Also the male lead was absolutely refreshing and charming in his quirky ways. (i might have changed my husband preferences)
Want S2 for relationship development.

Do not miss. Despite heavy topic, you leave with important lessons and light spirit.

--How privileged is to be a neurotypical and how much more empathy we can offer!

Thanks for reading!

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