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Coolforthesummer

Coolforthesummer

Completed
Race
53 people found this review helpful
Jun 14, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Unmasking Corporate Realities: Friendship and Ambition's Empowering Journey

I was pleasantly surprised by this show, as it exceeded all of my expectations. Set in the world of business marketing, it combines elements from various genres such as life drama, business & romance.

The story follows the journey of the female lead who lacks a college education but possesses eight years of marketing experience from small company. She manages to secure a position in big company like Seyong & strives to establish her name despite her lack of higher education.
Throughout the drama, several issues are highlighted, such as the challenges faced by pregnant women in receiving promotions after taking a break & the consequences of negative marketing etc.

The drama provides realistic portrayal of how large companies operate, showcasing office politics at both higher & lower levels & how they impact the lives of the employees.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the strong friendship between the two leads. They always supported each other unconditionally & their friendship scenes were heartwarming.
Even when the male lead rejected the FL's love confession, I was glad to see that they remained true friends.

I also loved the character of the second female lead, who held the position of CCO. Despite her high position, she displayed no arrogance or rudeness and was solely dedicated to her work.

The cinematography and color grading used in the show were excellent, providing a refreshing visual experience & boosting positive energy.
The upbeat OSTs & background music also helped elevate the mood.

After Misaeng, this business drama became my favorite. Its realistic portrayal of the subject matter was a major factor in my liking towards this drama.

In conclusion if you are interested in a drama that focuses on business, office politics & friendship, I highly recommend giving this show a chance without any hesitation.

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Completed
Black Knight
63 people found this review helpful
May 12, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Visually Breathtaking but Storyline Leaves Room for Improvement

While the story may not offer much but the production quality of this drama is truly a visual extravaganza. The VFX effects, action sequences & sci-fi elements are absolutely breathtaking.

The plot revolves around SaWol's journey to becoming a deliveryman after enduring numerous hardships.

The male lead primarily serves as a legendary deliveryman showcasing some impressive action sequences. He comes off more as supporting character here except last 2 episodes.

On the other hand the main antagonist follows the typical sci-fi movie villain archetype, harboring a deep resentment against humanity. He is afflicted with an incurable disease and conducts tests on patients to find a cure.

The female lead plays an army officer role with limited significance in the overall narrative.

Although the characters may not leave a lasting impression they are passable.


The drama boasts several exciting action sequences with the deliveryman competition & climactic scenes being my personal favorites. If you are seeking drama with stunning action sequences, impressive VFX effects and an ok-ok storyline then this is definitely worth a watch.

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Completed
Celebrity
110 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

Unlocking the Path to Success : 3 #CheatCodes to Attain Fame

Plot : The story revolves around Seo Ari, a struggling woman who sells cosmetics door to door. After her father's company goes bankrupt, she & her mother are left penniless.
Drama follows Seo Ari's path to fame as she finds & employs 3 #CheatCodes to attain success.

What I Liked:
1. Captivating Cinematography : The visually stunning & glossy cinematography beautifully complemented the theme of the series & gives you wholesome experience.

2. High Production Values : High investments made by Netflix & Studio Dragon were evident in every frame of the show, showcasing their commitment to delivering a top tier production.

3. BGMs : BGMs were exceptional & went well with scenes. One particular BGM that played in the final scenes of each episode was especially enjoyable.

4. Impressive Acting : Main leads delivered commendable performances, bringing their respective characters to life & did justice to their respective roles.

5. Engaging Drama : From opening scene to the closing credits, Drama successfully captivated viewers attention, maintaining a high level of engagement throughout.


What I Didn't Like :
1. Story Development : While the direction & execution were great, the story was not really upto the mark. However, the overall quality of the production compensated for this drawback.

2. Characterization : The female lead's character & some supporting characters in the story could be better developed. There is a problem with the female lead's portrayal because her past wealthy background contradicts her surprised reaction to scandals involving rich people. This inconsistency makes her initial character description seem unrealistic because she appears overly naive in her responses.

3. Romance line : Makers tried to show romance between 2 main leads but it was not really convincing. Both leads have chemistry but romance line was weak but its ok as main genre of drama was not romance.

4. Lack of Relatability : Throughout the drama, I found it difficult to connect with the story & its characters, which detracted from my overall viewing experience.

Overall, the show is a worthwhile one time watch, especially for those who have a keen interest in fashion related dramas.

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Completed
Moving
60 people found this review helpful
Sep 20, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Action, Emotion & Excellence : MOVING Sets a New Standard in Superhero TV

The drama truly redefined the superhero genre for me. Normally, superhero shows feature individuals with supernatural powers saving the world from evil forces. So what sets MOVING apart from the rest?
This isnt a typical show where individuals with superhuman abilities save the world. Instead, its about their unwavering dedication to protecting their families at any cost and this forms the core of the story.

The narrative revolves around nine individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to shield their loved ones from malevolent forces. These forces either seek to eliminate them or want to coerce them into working for their selfish agendas.

Every hero in our ensemble gets their moment to shine throughout the show. Each character possesses a compelling backstory that will genuinely touch your heart. While you witness their backstories, you will cry alongside them and you will also share in their moments of joy as they connect with their loved ones.

When we think of superhero movies or shows, action usually comes to mind first. However, MOVING offers something different. It not only boasts jaw dropping action sequences but also seamlessly weaves in slice of life moments throughout the drama.

This drama incorporates various sub genres such as romance and slice of life and they blend together seamlessly. The romances be it Juwon - Jihee, Dooshik - Mihyun or our sunshine couple HeeSoo - Bong Seok are exceptionally well-executed. The mix of sorrow and yearning in our older couples and the cuteness of our beloved younger couple beautifully complement each other.

Even the story of Kang Hoon and his father Jae Man, will tug at your heartstrings evoking very strong emotions. Jae Man's unconditional love for his son Kang Hoon is unparalleled.

Regarding the action sequences, I can confidently state that MOVING redefines the action genre in Korean entertainment media.
Even the most challenging action sequences are executed with remarkable ease, leaving you captivated. The high budget is put to excellent use.

Episodes 10-11 & 19-20 stand out as my personal favorites with both the storytelling and action sequences reaching perfection. These episodes will undoubtedly move you to tears and leave you in awe with their flawless action sequences.

Every actor excels in portraying their characters, from seasoned actors like Ryu Seong Ryung, Han Hyo Jo and Zo Insung to rookie talents like Lee Jungha, Go Younjung and Kim Dohoon. They bring their characters to life so convincingly that you may question whether they are real people or actors.
I bet Ryu Seong Ryung is either going to win Best Actor or the Daesang at the next Baeksang Awards. Thats how impressive he was in this drama. He is actor that the Korean entertainment media should save at all costs.

The BGMs enhances every scene and experiencing the show on Disney Plus Hotstar with Dolby Atmos provides an epic viewing experience that words cant fully describe.

In summary, MOVING is masterpiece that transcends genres. Whether you are a fan of action dramas or not, I highly recommend not missing out on this exceptional show.

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The Bequeathed
53 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

The Bequeathed: Some Fxxxxd up Family Relationships

Fascinatingly wild, the show revolves around a family feud over an inherited burial ground property. What follows after that is nothing short of insanity.

The series is concise yet enthralling, boasting an intriguing cast of characters. The plot's embedded mystery keeps you engaged until the conclusion enhanced by mind bending twists adding spice to the drama. The intricacies of family relationships leave viewers thoroughly puzzled and the haunting cinematic execution adds suspense enriched by crazy plot twists.

A standout character is Kim Youngho, the estranged step brother of the female protagonist, Yoon Seoha. His borderline craziness makes it very intriguing to watch.

While the entire cast delivered commendable performances, the true show stealer is Ryu Kyung Soo. His portrayal of madness is exceptionally well executed making his character a highlight of the show.

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My Lovely Liar
56 people found this review helpful
Sep 19, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

The Human Lie Detector & Her Lovely Liar.


This is the story of human lie detector and an terrible liar who simply cant tell a falsehood. The story unfolds with female protagonist who possesses the uncanny ability to detect lies, crossing paths with a man notorious for his terrible lying skills and thats how their journey begins.

Male lead Kim Seung Ju aka Kim Doha, is a suspect in his ex-girlfriend's murder. Evading the authorities for years he lives in seclusion haunted by guilt. Although he is innocent of the murder he bears the weight of responsibility for her death. What transpires when he encounters person with the gift of detecting human lies forms the crux of the plot.

As for the storyline, it started on a promising note and the romantic elements developed smoothly over the course of 16 episodes. Yet at certain points, show seemed to meander and the execution of the murder mystery plot left much to be desired save for the startling last minute twist which caught everyone off guard.
Murder mystery plotline was riddled with plot holes that I found rather disconcerting. Kim Doha's perpetual self-blame even after the passage of 6-7 years, at times grated on my nerves. Nevertheless I did appreciate the manner in which the female lead stood steadfastly by his side aiding him in overcoming his guilt.

Another aspect that left me disheartened was the way Kim Doha's helped his ex-girlfriend's brother in evading the police. Despite the brother's attempt to kill him and the kidnapping of one of his friends, Kim Doha helped to escape him from police, resulting in severe injury to an innocent character. What if the that character had died from injury?? Kim Doha would have been burdened with yet another decade of guilt.

While the murder mystery plotline suffered from poor execution featuring Doha miraculously stumbling upon clues out of thin air the final plot twist proved to be a delightful surprise. It was something that none of us predicted previously. While some viewers didn't like the plot twist, citing homophobia, I didn't look at it from that perspective. In place of him, even a straight girl who had a crush on him could have accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend. So, more than anything, I liked the plot twist for its unpredictability.

Coming to the love story, it was well developed from start to finish. The chemistry between both lead actors was palpable and the last two episodes with their sweetness, redeemed the overall viewing experience. Were it not for these final episodes my rating would have undoubtedly been lower.

In terms of acting both lead actors, Hwang Min Hyun and Kim So Hyun delivered commendable performances. Hwang Min Hyun adeptly portrayed Kim Doha's fragile, introverted persona, while Kim So Hyun shone brilliantly as the human lie detector.

In summary I would categorize this as an exceptional romance drama though the murder mystery subplot left much to be desired in terms of development.

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Inspector Koo
36 people found this review helpful
Nov 7, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Mystery, Mischief and Mayhem: The Intriguing World of Inspector Koo

As i was looking forward to Lee Young Ae's upcoming show maestra, so i decided to watch one of her previous dramas. I chose Inspector Koo and to my surprise, i ended up binge watching the entire series. It turned out to be much more interesting than i had initially anticipated, i can even say that i absolutely loved it.
The show revolves around a retired, eccentric Inspector Koo and a 20 something psychopathic serial killer. Despite their differences, they share a certain resemblance.

Inspector Koo, now retired spends her days playing online games, neglecting personal hygiene and eating habits. On the other hand, the young serial killer leads a stylish, charming and luxurious life. Interestingly their names are mirror images of each other, with Inspector Koo named Kyung Yi and the serial killer named Yi Kyung. However, their common trait is their intelligence and the entire series plays out like a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

Yi Kyung the college going killer, targets people who have committed wrongs & her killing methods are truly unique. She doesnt resort to direct violence. instead, she sets elaborate traps for her targets making her plans even more captivating. Another intriguing aspect of her character is that she only targets individuals who had done bad deeds in a past.
What sets her apart is her unusual method of punishing wrongdoers, she draws inspiration from various French books translating their ideas into her killing plans. Each book represents one murder.

Inspector Koo's character on the other hand, is far from the typical justice seeking detective. She takes on new cases from her junior solely because she offers her a new computer. Her motivation isnt rooted in a desire for justice but rather in the thrill and enjoyment of solving cases.

The drama also features one more strong villain, portrayed by the Kim Hae Sook, whose performance here rivals her best acting in Revenant and UTQU.
Both of these female villains Yi Kyung & Kim Hae Sook's character has very comeplx yet interesting relation which makes show even more exciting. At times they collaborate, assist one another and then turn against each other while Inspector Koo cleverly takes advantage of their enmity.

My most fav character in the series is Santa, played by Baek Sung Chul, a mute character introduced as Koo's assistant picked from an online game. Their bond isnt romantic but more like a parent and child, where he plays role like parent to Inspector Koo, they often shows him taking care of her in show. There is one interesting plot twist involving his character.

The show includes a few more interesting characters including Yi Kyung's accomplice, who happens to be gay, which i didnt expect in this type of series. What sets the serial killer characters apart is their multifaceted nature. They can appear as psycho killers in one moment and as normal individuals in the next.

Inspector Koo distinguishes itself from OCN's countryside thrillers by being a highly urban thriller set in Tongyeong, an unexplored location in Kdramas. The setting combined with the cinematography provides a fresh and beautiful backdrop for the series.

The top notch cinematography and the stylish OSTs/BGMs elevate the series to another level, enhancing the thrill of key moments. Without these elements, I might have rated the show lower.

The episodes end on suspenseful notes, leaving viewers eager for the next ones and despite some minor plot holes, i thoroughly enjoyed the series. In fact i found it more appealing than highly rated crime thriller dramas with MDL scores ranging from 8.6 to 8.8.

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Completed
Doctor Slump
79 people found this review helpful
Jan 27, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Doctor Slump : A Promising Start Hindered by Cliches Yet Still Worth Watching

The series started on a promising note, exploring themes of depression, healing and the found family trope. However as it progressed, it seemed to lose its focus with the introduction of numerous cliched storylines, such as the problematic parents of ML, Truck kun's cameo and an unnecessary breakup. Nevertheless, despite these setbacks the show remained engaging.

Despite its flaws, there were still several aspects that i found enjoyable. The family scenes were consistently heartwarming and the comedy, while not groundbreaking, brought smiles on faces at various points. The relationship between the leads was portrayed in a healthy manner with a natural progression and understanding that was a joy to watch. Additionally the interactions between the second leads were quite fun, despite their limited screen time. The bond between the ML Jeongwoo and Haneul's family was quite cute and heartwarming.

In terms of acting, everyone did good job. Park Hyung Sik in loser lover type roles is always a treat to watch. While im not a big fan of Park Shin hye, she was quite watchable here. The other cast members including second leads and supporting actors were also good in their roles.

However there were some technical shortcomings, particularly in cinematography and picture quality, which gave the show an outdated appearance. Additionally there were issues with sound mixing, with background noise occasionally overshadowing the characters voices.

Despite its flaws, Doctor Slump remains a decent drama worthy of a one time viewing.

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Stand by Me
40 people found this review helpful
Oct 11, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Stand By Me : A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery

Im not sure where to begin as this show had profound impact on me & opened my eyes to many insights. Its undoubtedly my favorite drama of 2023 even though i have other favorites like Moving and I Am Nobody. This one however, holds a special place in my heart.

This slow burning melodrama set in 1990s China, follows the journey of Luo Qiqi alongside several significant characters who enter her life. From a very young age Luo Qiqi exudes optimism & possesses a unique ability to think outside the box, always questioning the world around her. This quality deeply resonated with me.

The portrayal of Luo Qiqi's journey along with the four other main characters is incredibly authentic, immersing the viewer in their lives. As i watched it felt as if i were right there with them, experiencing their trials and tribulations.

Luo Qiqi encounters many individuals who leave a lasting mark on her life, shaping her into the person she is today. Simultaneously these encounters influence the lives of those she meets raising intriguing questions.

Among the numerous characters, four stand out as instrumental in shaping Luo Qiqi's journey : Xiao Bo, Zhang Jun, Xiao Fe & Guan He. Their impact on her life is substantial & they in turn, undergo significant transformations whether for better or worse, leaving questions in their wake.

Luo Qiqi stands out as the most remarkable character in the entire show. Her strength, determination, intelligence & unwavering loyalty to her friends are truly inspiring. She also demonstrates remarkable empathy towards others and in the face of numerous challenges, she repeatedly overcomes her doubts and fulfills her dreams.

My next favorite character is Xiao Fe, Luo Qiqi's best friend whose imperfections make her character growth one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Her experiences from unrequited love to personal hardships are portrayed with remarkable realism.
After her r*pe incident, Luo Qiqi comes into her life as a ray of sunshine & slowly helps her piece her life back together. Her whole arc was my favorite part of the drama from the trauma she endured to her recovery all portrayed very realistically, especially considering the 90s China setting. I loved how Luo Qiqi stood by her, supporting her until she could stand on her own feet. Kudos to both actors who portayed Xiao Fe and Luo Qiqi, who gave their all to this storyline.

Then there is Xiao Bo, who plays sibling like role in Luo Qiqi's life. Their dynamic is endearing with moments that sometimes hint at a romantic connection and at other times emphasize their deep sibling like care for one another. Xiao Bo maintains a positive outlook throughout the drama & remains one of the most hardworking characters despite challenging family circumstances. He significantly influences Luo Qiqi's dream of attending a prestigious university, although his later decision to give up on his studies is emotionally difficult to watch.

Guan He enters Luo Qiqi's life at a pivotal moment, precisely when she needs support the most. Guan He is the school's top student, faces unrelenting pressure from her parents to excel, all the while harboring envy towards Luo Qiqi, who lives life on her own terms as Luo Qiqi was living life which she always desired.
Guan He's presence becomes instrumental in Luo Qiqi's academic journey during challenging times & their friendship deepens. They become close friends studying together & sharing their lives. However, as Luo Qiqi outshines her Guan He's insecurity & jealousy surface, leading to the regrettable end of their once strong bond. This development is particularly disheartening considering Guan He's background and character, emphasizing the toll insecurity & envy can take on even the closest of friendships.

In the drama Zhang Jun emerges as its most enigmatic & morally complex character. His relationship with Luo Qiqi is a rollercoaster ride through their shared childhood marked by a mix of betrayal and undeniable attraction. They share a chemistry that is undeniably captivating but Zhang Jun's internal struggles and involvement with gang makes him quite unreliable chatacter.
Initially Zhang Jun & Luo Qiqi were inseparable childhood friends but their bond was marred by moments of betrayal, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that lingered for years. As the story unfolds their paths cross again & magnetic attraction begins to pull them closer. While they never explicitly cross certain boundaries, its clear that their connection is charged with unspoken emotions.
Their chemistry is undeniable yet Zhang Jun's character is a mix of both red and green flags, underscoring the unhealthy nature of their relationship. Like Luo Qiqi he was once a top student but he loses his way & becomes entangled with a troublesome gang, leading to complications in his relationship with Luo Qiqi.
The most heart wrenching moment in the narrative arrives when Zhang Jun makes the painful decision to relinquish their shared dream of attending university together. He realizes that staying close to her will only hold her back & this decision again solidifies the point of him being most complex character of this drama.

Despite these characters drifting away from Luo Qiqi, which almost leading to her giving up on her lifelong dream of attending a top university, they also serve as her catalyst for self realization and personal growth.

This beautiful show feels like a work of poetic art delivering a profound exploration of self discovery and development.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, although its essential to note that its a slow burn melodrama, so if this genre isn't your cup of tea, you may want to consider other options.

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Lies Hidden in My Garden
58 people found this review helpful
Jul 11, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Dark and Eerie Atmosphere: Lies Hidden In My Garden Sets a Haunting Tone

Watching Lies Hidden In My Garden was a thrilling and engaging experience. It had a dark and eerie atmosphere that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

The plot started with Second FL committed murder, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events. The climax intensified when Main FL & her husband collaborated to kill the Second FL but Main FL ended up killing her own husband and take all the blame upon herself.
The mind boggling plot twists in Ep7&8 had me on the edge of my seat, thoroughly engrossed in the story.

The performances in the drama were brilliant. Everyone, from Seung Jae (FL's son) to the supporting characters like the neighbor lady, delivered their best. However, I must commend Lim Ji Yeon for stealing the spotlight with her incredible performance as the Second FL. She portrayed the character brilliantly.

The writing & direction were excellent. I appreciated the small details & nuances in the writing, & dialogues were impactful, especially during the confrontation between the second FL & first FL in Ep 7.

The cinematography perfectly captured the dark & thrilling nature of the story. The use of black and white color grading during the scene of the second FL killing her husband was particularly effective.

Bgms added another layer to the overall experience, enhancing the suspense & tension of the dark thriller.

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Amidst a Snowstorm of Love
125 people found this review helpful
Feb 2, 2024
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 13
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

Snowflakes of Sweetness: "Amidst A Snowstorm of Love" Radiates Romance and Brilliance

It was a true romance of the year. Watching this drama felt like reading beautiful poetry, time flew without realizing it. The show hit all the right notes.

The story, though familiar was executed uniquely. The main couple's chemistry, the foreign locations and the absence of cliches made it stand out. No ex girlfriend, no third angle, no annoying side characters, a very relaxing show for romance lovers.

- What I liked:

•Chemistry between main leads: The standout factor of the show is definitely the chemistry between Zhang Jinmai and Wu Lei. Their on screen dynamic is captivating, making it the main selling point. Scenes that might have felt cringe worthy with other actors are handled seamlessly due to their undeniable chemistry. Yin Guo and Lin Yiyang, portrayed by the duo, are unquestionably one of my top three couples in modern Chinese romance.

•Locations: Following the impressive chemistry, foreign based locations emerge as the next selling point of the show. Shot mostly in Finland, the director's skill in capturing the scenery adds an extra layer of besuty to the drama. The combination of beautiful locations and outstanding chemistry makes it clear why this drama is destined to be a hit. The foreign settings provide a unique atmosphere compared to regular modern Chinese dramas, giving it a cinematic feel with scenic beauty and visual appeal for each character. Even when the focus shifts to China after Episode 16, the chosen locations maintain a distinct charm, setting it apart from typical Chinese dramas.

•Story/Plot: While the storyline might seem familiar, its unique execution sets it apart. The absence of cliches like ex gf/bf, third angles, lead separations, annoying supporting characters and family pressures makes it stand out. The show skillfully navigates away from predictable angles.
I appreciate the shift in tone between the first and second halves. The initial half is rich in romance while the latter half delves deeper into drama with a sports genre focus, exploring the intricate dynamics of the characters relationships.

•Supporting Characters: Its worth mentioning the standout supporting characters in the show, all of whom contribute positively. There are no annoying or negative characters, instead the drama is filled with mature and non childish supporting characters. Initially i expected some characters to take a negative turn and create obstacles for the leads but im pleased to say the show proved me wrong. Each supporting character is intricately written with depth and maturity making them endearing as the show progresses. Personal favorites include Meng Xiaodong, Jiang Yang and Wu Wei who have undoubtedly won the hearts of viewers with their charming portrayals.

•Acting: The acting truly stood out with Zhang Jinmai and Wu Lei delivering performances that felt incredibly authentic. As a fan of their previous work, this show has only deepened my admiration for them. I eagerly anticipate their future projects as they have consistently impressed me. The supporting cast without exception, seamlessly brought the written characters to life.

•Direction/Cinematography/BGM Score: The direction and cinematography were impeccable creating a visually stunning drama. It felt like watching a cinematic masterpiece and the OSTs/BGM scores, especially tracks like "Perfect Performance" by Yisa Yu and "Love and Shine" by Wu Lei elevated the viewing experience to another level.

•Visuals: The scenery and the actors visuals were seriously impressive. I know we shouldnt judge solely based on looks but every character looked good and its worth noting that these actors were not just good looking but also incredibly talented.


-What I didnt like:

Honestly there isnt much that i didnt like here. However, some romantic scenes between the leads felt a bit childish. If it werent for these two actors it might have been a tad cringy, but somehow they managed to convince me otherwise. Their chemistry and acting really worked in favor of the drama.


After a long time, i came across such a feel good modern Chinese romance drama with no cliche hurdles or tracks. Everything from the beginning was fantastic and it stayed that way until the end. This show is undoubtedly a treat for romance lovers and im sure they wont get enough of it. It will remain close to my heart for the longest time and the main lead pair has secured a spot in my top 3 Chinese pairs of all time.

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High Cookie
54 people found this review helpful
Nov 23, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Dark Twists and Sweet Treats: Exploring the Dark Realities of High School in High Cookie.

This show was an absolute roller coaster from start to finish, a fast paced dark thriller that consistently keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Every character was intricately twisted. The show started with the simple, naive FL Choi Sooyoung, but as it progressed her character's layers peeled off one by one.

ML Hosu presented another complex character rarely seen in recent dramas with a painful backstory and compelling reasons for his actions, albeit criminal.

Filled with twists and turns the show delves into the stressful lives of high schoolers and explores how cookies serve as a means to fulfill their inner dreams.

In terms of romance, there wasnt much but I loved the scenes creators gave us of Lee Eunsoo & Jin Woo. They were simply a treat to watch. However, given the dark thriller theme romantic elements were understandably limited.

On the downside there were many unrealistic scenarios like police investigations, how Sooyoung got admission to school, etc. Additionally the production quality could have been much better. But what mattered to me is how much I enjoyed this show and from that point of view it was an absolute treat to watch.

The acting of each cast member was commendable. Nam Jihyun, Choi Hyunwook, Seo Bum June, Kim Mu Yeol, Jung Dabin and others delivered standout performances.

Spoiler: The ending was tragically fitting for the show. Due to FL's greed many students including Jinwoo & Hosu, met their tragic demise. Minyoung took on her sister's life, working part time, while Sooyoung disappeared from the world, going into hiding to make cookies.

In conclusion, I will recommend this show to every thriller lover who enjoys watching thrillers with high school settings and a gripping storyline.

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Brave Citizen
48 people found this review helpful
Nov 18, 2023
Completed 2
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Blood boiling experience

This movie depicts very torturous bullying making it a blood boiling experience. Plus i found everything quite unrealistic. I know bullying in Korea is severe but the bully kicking the dean of the school and terrorizing teachers was very unrealistic.

I loved the last fight sequence between the female lead and the villain but i still didnt like how he was overpowering her in many fight scenes. I would have loved it more if they had tortured him to death or until the point where he begged to be killed because thats how cruel of a bully he was.

Acting wise, everyone did a good job with whatever they were given in the script but for me the guy who shined more in the movie was the bullied victim Jin Hyung. His acting in one of the crucial scenes was so good that tears literally started flowing down my cheeks.

Overall i had very mixed feelings towards this movie as it was blood boiling to the point where you want to go inside the screen and beat that bully guy.

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Maestra: Strings of Truth
24 people found this review helpful
Jan 14, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Orchestra & Affairs: Cha Seeum's Artistic Passion Amidst Life's Struggles

I really liked watching this show. It was my first time checking out a semi makjang series with art at its centre. The show had some drama but it wasnt too much, they kept it real without going overboard.

The main character, Cha Seeum was definitely star of the show. She faced a lot of problems but her love for her profession was something else. She is one of the strongest female leads i have seen in a while and Lee YoungAe did a great job.

Male lead Jeongjae was a complex character, initially portrayed as a calculative, manipulative, control freak who wanted to take charge of Seeum's life. However as the story progressed, his character developed and in the end you could see that he truly loved Seeum.

Luna was interesting too. Usually shows make obsessed characters act super ott but they made her seem like a regular person. You would never think she is obsessed until she actually does something crazy.

The show got a bit boring sometimes which was a downside but overall it was worth watching.

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Completed
Vigilante
74 people found this review helpful
Nov 29, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Disney+ Unleashes Gripping Vigilante : A Dark Hero's Quest for Justice

Disney+'s newest offering, "Vigilante," adapted from a webtoon of the same name Vigilante (비질란테), written by CRG and directed by Choi Jeong Yeol, follows the story of Dark Hero Kim Jiyoung. He takes justice into his own hands, targeting criminals who exhibit no remorse for their past crimes.

This fast paced action thriller makes us ponder whether criminals genuinely regret their actions and if the legal system provides adequate punishment. The narrative explores the loopholes in the law, compelling the male protagonist to assume the role of a vigilante in order to combat societal evils.

While acknowledging that vigilantism isnt an ideal real world solution, the series encourages viewers to question if criminals receive their due justice. This introspection becomes the catalyst for the emergence of the dark hero.

Kim Jiyoung traumatized by witnessing his mothers murder in childhood channels his anger into becoming a vigilante when he sees the murderer display no remorse.

The show introduces other interesting characters, such as Cho Heon, a former gangster turned police officer determined to apprehend the vigilante at any cost. News reporter Choi Miryeo provides the vigilante with a list of criminals to pursue while Cho Kangok, the series most intriguing character is an obsessive fan of the vigilante.

All these characters are unique in their own right. Cho Heon aims to catch the vigilante but doesn't want him to be attractive, fearing public sympathy. Cho Kangok's obsession adds a real and entertaining dimension to the drama.

While the limited length of 8 episodes x 45 minutes prevents an in depth exploration, the show manages to remain captivating and avoids monotony.

Nam Joohyuk's performance in the titular role stands out, showcasing an insane range of emotions.

If you ae a fan of action crime thrillers, this is a binge worthy watch.

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