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Coolforthesummer

Coolforthesummer

Completed
Wonderful World
74 people found this review helpful
28 days ago
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

"A Symphony of Emotions: The Impactful Journey of Loss, Guilt and Redemption"

The drama evoked every emotion within me, draining me and allowing me to feel every character's pain throughout the series.
When it started, i wondered what it could offer besides a mother's revenge. However as the story unfolded, i was drawn deeper into the intricacies of each character's psyche gradually understanding their motivations and perspectives.

While the story may not be new, it was the execution that truly stood out earning it a well deserved round of applause. The writer masterfully crafted a plot filled with heartbreak and tension, weaving together multiple storylines and character arcs with finesse. What struck me most was the portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, each grappling with their own demons and making choices that blurred the lines between right and wrong.
As each character's layers peeled away, their motivations became clear. Though i may not sympathize with all of them, i could understand their actions. The writer crafted these characters thoroughly and left their interpretation to the viewers.

The emotional depth of the series was further amplified by its poignant and gut wrenching scenes, which left a lasting impact on me long after the credits rolled. From the raw anguish of a mother mourning the loss of her child to the harrowing depiction of human frailty and redemption, every moment was imbued with raw emotion and authenticity.

Turning to the performances, the ensemble cast delivered nothing short of brilliance, bringing their characters to life with nuance and depth. Kim Namjoo's portrayal of the grieving mother was particularly poignant, her raw vulnerability tugging at the heartstrings with every scene. It was evident that she poured her heart and soul into the role, leaving a lasting impression that lingered in the mind.

Cha Eunwoo, in this series, he really beat the allegations of bad acting. I pretty much heard in every series that he cant act. I have watched almost all of his dramas, i never found him a bad actor. Its just his roles were always like they wanted him to give very few expressions and he did a fantastic job in those roles. But in this role, he really nailed it, especially in the second half of the drama. He proved to everyone that he is anything but a bad actor. I hope in the future he will take those roles which will give him a chance to perform his best.

Kim Kangwoo & Lim Semi were also phenomenal in their roles. Both of them had very complex characters and they performed their best in these roles. At first, i thought, oh this is another husband cheating drama but once twists started unfolding, i felt there is much more to it than just being a husband cheating. When you understand characters perfectly, you realize they are also very layered characters very much like normal humans who made mistakes but are very much guilty for their one wromg action.
Apart from these 4 leading characters, actress Won Mi Kyung, who portrayed the role of Soohyun's mother and actor Park Hyuk Kwon, who played the role of the main antagonist Kim Joon also made a long lasting impression on the mind with their powerful performances.

The series was further elevated by its exceptional soundtrack which expertly underscored the emotional beats of each scene, heightening the tension and drama to breathtaking effect.

In conclusion this series stands as a shining example of superb storytelling, flawless execution and stellar performances. If you are in search of a gripping and emotionally resonant drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. Its a journey that will linger in your mind long after the final episode, leaving you craving for more.

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Ongoing 16/16
Lovely Runner
94 people found this review helpful
Apr 8, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Heartwarming Start to a Promising Romcom Journey

EP 1 completely surpassed my expectations. I loved it from the first minute to the last. Every moment was enjoyable and i felt a range of emotions from sadness to joy.

Kim Hye Yoon truly shined in EP 1, she was undoubtedly the star of the episode. Her versatility was remarkable, she portrayed anger, humor, mischief and more with ease. She also brought back memories of her Extraordinary You era.
Byeon Wooseok also delivered good performance in EP 1, capturing the portrayal of depression as an idol convincingly.

Having read the webtoon's available 40 chapters, i noticed a few changes but i liked them as they added depth to the story.

EP 1 evoked reminiscences of the writer's previous works like True Beauty and Extraordinary You. The school scenes resembled those of Extraordinary You, while other scenes resonated with the style of True Beauty.

Finally we have a proper youth romcom after a long wait. Mondays are bound to be delightful from now on.

I believe this show will undoubtedly become as popular as True Beauty in the future, propelling its actors especially Byeon Woo-seok to stardom similar to Cha Eunwoo & Hwang InYeop's rise after True Beauty.

Overall im eagerly anticipating the upcoming episodes.

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Completed
The Believers
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 29, 2024
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Temple of Deceit: Unraveling Faith, Fraud and Fortune in The Believers

Religion, business, temple and politics, i never imagined these four elements could converge to create such an interesting drama. This show was a surprise for me as i hadnt experienced anything like it before and i thoroughly enjoyed what it offered.

The three protagonists of the drama take over an abandoned temple to run it and repay their debts after failing in their gaming business. Essentially, they resort to selling faith to believers making them essentially scammers. They embark on renovating the temple, organizing various activities and even hiring famous monks to attract the local public. Their deception extends to creating amulets from sacred objects and attempting to sell them through advertising. This deception forms the crux of the storyline.

However i loved how the creators executed and handled the narrative, delicately addressing sensitive issues throughout. One notable subplot involved a monk genuinely falling in love with FL character and deciding to leave monkhood. I empathized with him when FL rejected him, realizing she was also exploiting him for money. The drama also delves into a drug scandal, murder and other elements typically found in crime thrillers, all set within the unique context of religious business.

The final reveal of the villain was pretty good, i never really imagined that guy to be the villain. I mean, i didnt really think the series would take a different turn in the last two episodes and there would be some big conspiracy going on behind everything.

Overall, it was a pretty good drama, tackling a bold subject matter with finesse. I commend the makers for their courage in exploring such a controversial topic, knowing the potential risks associated with it.

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Completed
Boku no Itoshii Youkai Girlfriend
10 people found this review helpful
Mar 22, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Fun Ride to Youkai World

This turned out to be a much better show than my expectations. Its blend of fantasy, mystery, horror, romance and comedy, is well balanced. While the romance aspect is somewhat understated, all the other genres are fleshed out quite effectively. There is also some cool action.

Although E1 was good, it becomes a lot more interesting from E2 and it keeps getting better and better. This one is kinda similar to Enigma (Thai drama) but with the addition of comedy. Moreover the mysteries of the Youkai world are unveiled in an intriguing manner. Thanks to the blend of comedy, mystery, fantasy and action, there isnt a single dull moment throughout, each episode is genuinely engaging. There might be a few flaws in it but what matters is it was engaging af. 35 min X 8Ep format greatly help in keeping you engaged. The episodes are short yet fast paced, leaving no room for boredom.

Furthermore, im glad they didnt turn FL into a good hearted demon/youkai. She was on a mission and she actually killed those guardians, which was a requirement for her to fulfill her mission.

The open ended ending sets the stage for S2, leaving everyone eager to see what unfolds next.

Overall i would rate it around 8.8-9.0/10.

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Completed
Ready, Set, Love
36 people found this review helpful
Feb 16, 2024
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Ready, Set, Love: A Dystopian Adventure with Romance and Humor

This show unfolds in a parallel universe, a dystopian realm where the male population is vastly outnumbered by females. Males are a rare sight, akin to an endangered species, housed by the government in a human zoo known as the Farm.

The government sponsors the reality show "Ready Set Love," where female contestants vie to become brides and form families under government care. The reluctant female protagonist Day, becomes a contestant through a lottery leading to an unforeseen journey filled with chaotic, hilarious, heartfelt and romantic moments.

This show encompasses multiple genres with its primary focus on Dystopian survival, complemented by sub genres like romance, comedy, thriller and drama. It explores various themes including LGBTQ+, conveying a positive message. The inclusion of two LGBTQ+ couples is handled maturely setting it apart from many other BL genre shows in the same region.

The overall tone of the show resembles a convergence of the Reality/variety and fiction genres. The reality show within this fictional context provides an authentic feel akin to watching a real reality show where you anticipate outcomes but cant help getting excited during the diverse game tasks. This undoubtedly bridges the gap between fiction and reality genres.

Thrills and romance kicks off in the second half offering an exciting narrative. While the thriller aspect may not be entirely unique, it captivates, keeping you engaged until the final moments. When it comes to romance, the main couple (#SonDay) and the second couple (#MaxChal) undeniably share sizzling chemistry. The main couple's chemistry and the actors performances leave you yearning for more, especially with their endearing childhood backstory.
The comedy aspect is delightfully campy, evoking genuine laughter. Personally im not usually a fan of Thai comedies finding them cringe worthy with their OTT humor. However this particular show managed to resonate with me.

When it comes to the characters, each one is unique and distinct. None of them is purely evil or negative but a few exhibit shades of grey. The drama becomes even more intriguing with such well crafted main and supporting characters.

The soundtrack is vibrant, peppy and jazzy, seamlessly enhancing different scenes. In contrast production value is huge, evident in grand sets and costumes that exude an expensive quality. I never thought Thai productions investing so generously in their shows but Netflix made it possible.

In summary, this show offers a must watch experience, delivering unique content that seamlessly blends comedy, romance, a hint of thrill and entertaining tasks/games making it a perfect choice for diverse audiences.

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Completed
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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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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Completed
Welcome to Samdal-ri
201 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 19
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Wasted Potential: The Bittersweet Journey to Samdalri

This show was a mixed experience for me with some episodes being enjoyable while others left me frustrated. Despite this, the standout performances and compelling storylines justified watching it.

Now i will discuss what i liked and disliked.

What I Liked:

Great Acting: The performances were superb with impressive portrayals from the main leads, veterans and even minor roles. Kim Mi Kyung and Shin Haesun in particular excelled in their roles.

Compelling Supporting Storylines: Samdal's sister's narratives were surprisingly engaging, occasionally surpassing the main plot in interest.

Breathtaking Jeju Visuals: The show beautifully showcased Jeju's natural charm, perfectly in line with its healing genre, thanks to the director's skillful capture of landscapes.

Yongpil and His Mother's Bond: I absolutely loved Yongpil and Ko Mija's relationship. Im mentioning Ko Mija as Yongpil's mother's because he genuinely considered her as his own mother and she reciprocated the same feeling. Some may have misunderstood some of Yongpil's actions towards Ko Mija due to his love for Samdal but to me he was doing everything for his own mother, Ko Mija. He even chose to break up with Samdal to protect Ko Mija, sacrificed his dream, which truly reflects his immense love for his mother, Ko Mija.


What I Disliked

Flawed Writing: The writing here was poor, particularly in crafting the lead characters. FL's character is poorly written lacking the ability to stand up for herself, very disappointing, especially when she had evidence against Eunju but chose silence. Its perplexing how forgiving she appears towards someone who made her life miserable, forcing her to give up her career. While some argue its not a revenge driven show, standing up for oneself isnt revenge. Yongpil, initially a promising character comes off as clingy at times, seemingly oblivious to personal space. The writer neglected to properly develop his character, the first half focused on establishing FL's character and the second half's attempt at Yongpil's story was unconvincing. Equal importance to both leads from the start would have improved the narrative.

Second Male Lead: Despite not being malicious or negative his storyline was unconvincing and felt like filler, a major dislike for me. His scenes in the second half of the drama were particularly irritating. I find it hard to comprehend how he could be in one sided love with Samdal for over 30 years. While i can understand Yongpil's feelings given their past relationship but what about him?? Samdal never viewed him romantically, she never dated him or provided any hope yet he couldnt let go of his feelings for her for such long period of time.

Yongpil's Dad's Arc: The storyline involving Yongpil's dad was poorly written. While the actions of other characters in that track like the main leads breaking up were somewhat understandable, Yongpil's dad's treatment towards Samdal's family was childish and unreasonable. Despite understanding his pain from losing his wife, making his son's life miserable just because of that is unsympathetic. His entire storyline could have been handled much better.

Inconsistent Engagement: My connection with this show was strange like i would enjoy one episode but the next one would annoy me the most. The inconsistency in writing was evident and i didnt appreciate it.


Talking about the chemistry between the leads, i would say they had more of a best friends dynamic than that of lovers. Honestly, throughout the entire time, i never perceived them as lovers but rather as best friends forever. This could be seen as both positive and negative but given the romance genre here, my opinion tends towards the negative.


In conclusion despite its wasted potential, the show provided a decent pastime experience.

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Completed
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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Completed
Tell Me That You Love Me
67 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Soundless Love: Tell Me That You Love Me's Journey through Love and Loss.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", penned by Kim Minjung and helmed by Kim Yoonjin is the Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese drama "Aishiteiru to Ittekure", released in 1995. This captivating melodrama portrays the love story between Jinwoo, a middle aged man navigating life as a deaf artist and Moeun, an aspiring actress propelled by her profound love for the craft.

The show, experienced in 2023 is a beautifully written meloromance with each character feeling remarkably real and relatable. The narrative skillfully weaves their pains, hardships and struggles creating an emotional connection beyond the main lead characters.

Jinwoo a relatively unknown artist who lost his hearing early in life, finds a renewed sense of happiness and love when Moeun enters his life. This lonely man, scarred by a heartbreak from his past finds solace and happiness, granting him a second chance at love. However this marks merely the beginning of their journey, what unfolds are genuine issues faced in a relationship where one partner grapples with physical disability.

The show keeps it real about relationships with different physical abilities avoiding idealized views. It shows the challenges without getting toxic, staying down to earth. It digs into what its like when one partner faces physical hurdles, keeping things raw and genuine.
As the story goes on, Moeun deals with feeling insecure and jealous bringing in real challenges that resonates with the audience. A significant factor contributing to her struggle is Jinwoo's inability to hear or communicate conventionally. The emotions that arent sorted out create problems leading to a big breakup in episode 15. For me, the breakup made sense especially for Moeun to face and work through her own feelings.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", keeps it real about relationships especially when one partner has physical challenges. It avoids painting an idealized picture of love, embracing the genuine, sometimes messy side of such connections. The writer skillfully steers the story, fixing possible issues and making it even better than the Japanese version

Apart from the main characters the supporting cast brings depth and charm to the series. Characters like Kihyun, Seokyung, Johan, Jiyu, Modam and Moeun's parents are well crafted, adding richness to the overall story. Personally Kihyun is my favorite character whose warmth and friendship represent the companionship everyone desires. His happily married life with a deaf spouse and a daughter adds an extra touch of charm to the series.

The acting in the show is a key ingredient for its success. From minor roles like Jinwoo's students to the main leads, every cast member gives a praiseworthy performance. Jung Woosung's depiction of Jinwoo using compelling sign language and expressive acting truly shines. Supporting actors like Kihyun and Seokyung also impress bringing depth and authenticity especially in their use of sign language. Shin Hyunbeen's portrayal of Moeun adds an authentic touch making her journey in learning sign language feel genuine and relatable.

The show's music stands out with a beautiful OST lineup that heightens emotional moments. My Personal favorites are "Try Not To Cry" by 10cm and "To You" by Nerd Connection.

In conclusion, "Tell Me That You Love Me" is a masterpiece that should not be missed by melodrama romance lovers. With a solid 10/10 rating, this show leaves a lasting impression and holds a special place in the heart of the viewers

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Completed
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
Marry My Husband
117 people found this review helpful
Jan 2, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Fates Rewritten: Kang Jiwon Seizes the Second Chance

Adapted from the web novel Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘) by Seong So Jak (성소작) and directed by Park Won Gook, this show narrates Kang Jiwon's journey. Betrayed and killed by her husband and best friend, she seizes a second chance traveling back 10 years to alter her destiny.

From beginning to end, i thoroughly enjoyed the show, it was a profoundly gratifying experience. Beyond mere revenge it delved into themes of self growth and altering fates for survival. Each episode surpassed the last, conveying the message that second chances should be wielded wisely.

Each character was meticulously crafted with profound depth, both protagonists and antagonists shared an equitable presence. The antagonists stole the spotlight in numerous episodes, their characters exhibiting sheer insanity. What sets them apart is their unwavering consistency, unlike many dramas where antagonists change last minute, these characters remained true to their evil nature, escalating with each episode.

The narrative primarily revolves around three characters who overshadowed the rest: Kang Jiwon, the main protagonist and Sumin & Park Minhwan, the main antagonists. Kang Jiwon's character was intricately developed, showcasing significant self growth throughout the series, providing a truly satisfying arc. Her relatable flaws and insecurities stemming from past trauma added depth to her character. Park Minyoung's portrayal of Kang Jiwon was exceptional with her acting reaching an extraordinary level of intensity in this role.
Next is Sumin, she is undoubtedly going to be an iconic villain remembered for a very long time. Her character, a psycho with an intense obsession for Jiwon, escalates to new levels of insanity with each episode. She is the kind of character we all love to hate. That underwater scene of hers will remain forever iconic. Kudos to Song Hayoon for brilliantly portraying this character. She undoubtedly deserves all the awards for this role.
Park Minhwan, portrayed as a truly terrible husband. If this character had been played by any other actor, it might have been annoying but Lee Yikyung's comic portrayal of Park Minhwan, with his nasty personality makes it impossible not to find him amusing. His scenes are absolutely hilarious and the way his character ended brings both satisfaction and sadness simultaneously.These three characters undoubtedly carried the entire show on their backs.

Apart from these characters there were also endearing and lovable characters such as Jihyuk, Huiyeon, Baek Eunho, Yang Juran, etc. each making show equally memorable.
However Yura stood out as the sole annoyance, her character was consistently irritating from start to finish. My only complaint is that instead of her they could have developed Huiyeon and Eun Ho's love story. Nevertheless considering the drama's unfolding in the last episode, it seems she played a crucial role as a catalyst in bringing about the final track.

Although romance wasnt the main genre, the main couple's love story was endearing and their chemistry was quite soothing. However more than the romance, i watched this for the compelling drama and the captivating performances of the aforementioned three characters who stole the show.

The soundtrack, cinematography and production quality were outstanding. The background music and OSTs were fitting, the cinematography offered a fresh and visually pleasing experience and the production quality was top notch, ensuring it didnt feel like a cheaply made show.

In summary watching this show was a highly satisfying experience. Despite moments of frustration particularly with the annoying character Yura, if we overlook that it was a gratifying watch from start to finish.

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Completed
Boyhood
33 people found this review helpful
Dec 22, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Boyhood : A Roller Coaster of Comedy, Action and 80s Nostalgia

Boyhood is a coming of age comedy action school drama set in 1989 in Chungcheongnamdo. It follows a socially awkward boy from Onyang who becomes a transfer student to Buyeo, only to be misunderstood as a troublemaker overnight. This leads to various comedic and action packed adventures.

The show was a wild ride. The first five episodes were hilarious, but Episode 6 took an unexpected turn, shifting from joy to tragedy. Despite the roller coaster, it kept its comedic vibe, making me switch between tears and laughter.

Each character shines uniquely, especially Jang Byungtae, the once targeted weak student who embarks on a hilarious and action packed journey after transferring to Buyeo. Among the dramas i have watched this year, Jang Byungtae's character stands out as one of my personal favorite. Quirky, funny and relatable, he faced bullying from his childhood due to his weak physique. However when mistaken for strength he cleverly used it for good. Jang Byungtae's transformation felt authentic, a gradual process mirroring the impact of a lifetime of bullying.
Im Siwan's outstanding acting, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and emotional depth deserves every award for his portrayal of Jang Byungtae.

The second character is Jung Gyeongtae, who brings some crazy twists in story. When he entered, i thought he was just a street smart thug whom everyone fears but he might actually be good at heart. However the way he flipped in Episode 6 quickly turned him from my most favorite character to the most hated one. From that episode, i just wished him to live a nightmarish life until he dies.
Lee Siwoo really nailed this character. When i realized he played the brother of Ha Doyoon in SYIM19L, i couldnt really believe it, as that character and this one are totally poles apart, and Lee Siwoo played it with conviction.

Two female leads, Jiyoung and Seonhwa. Seonhwa is a bad bi*ch from the start and i suspected some gold digger tendencies in her character from afar. Jiyoung was a badass queen, she was the one who encouraged Byungtae to get his revenge. I really loved her character but she had very little screen time to explore her character. I would have loved to see more of her than Seonhwa.

Each episode of the show is engaging and it never bores you even for a minute. My personal favorite episode is Episode 6. That was quite an insane episode, not gonna lie.

The setting of the show in the 1980s is quite believable. It actually gives the feel of the 80s. The styling and setting are very appropriate for the times of the 80s. The music also helps to give you authentic vibes of the 80s.

This was one of the few dramas this year that surprised me in a good way. For me, it was a 9.5/10.

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Completed
Death's Game
12 people found this review helpful
Dec 15, 2023
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Deaths Game : The Rise and Fall of 12 Lives in a Fast Paced Epic

The first 4 episodes were fast paced featuring fantastic action and moments of dark humor. The show carries a powerful message and the screenplay is engaging. Overall the first part was quite impressive.

My main concern is the 12 deaths meaning the main character is reincarnated 12 times. Unfortunately, many of these reincarnations don't get enough screen time, making it hard to connect with those characters. Only Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook and Kim Kanghoon's characters stand out as they receive appropriate screen space and their stories unfold at a well paced rhythm allowing for a more profound connection. Considering the 12 deaths allocating a full 45-55 minute episode to each reincarnation could have provided a more convincing portrayal of their stories.

Aside from this, the production quality and acting were exceptional. I especially enjoyed Seo In guk, Park Sodam, Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook, Yoo Insoo and Kim Kanghoon's performances.
The CGIs were acceptable though there was room for improvement.

Btw Go Younjung and Lee Dohyun have natural chemistry and i hope to see them together in the future.

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Completed
Yu Yu Hakusho
26 people found this review helpful
Dec 14, 2023
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Yu Yu Hakusho : A Mesmerizing Dive into the Spirit World.

Yu Yu Hakusho unfolds a captivating fantasy story that seamlessly weaves action, humor and supernatural elements. This Japanese live action series is comprised of five episides whose length ranges between 40-50min. Show introduces viewers to a world where the boundaries between the living and the spirit realm blur.

The story centers around Yusuke Urameshi, a spirited young man thrust into the afterlife after a selfless act. As he navigates the spirit world under the guidance of Botan viewers are treated to a tale of spirit detectives, demons and unyielding friendships. The series stays true to its genre, delivering an engaging story that hooks the audience from the very first scene.

Yu Yu Hakusho's live action adaptation is directed by Tsukikawa Sho. It uses impressive CGI to make the supernatural parts stand out. In the world of live action adaptations, Yu Yu Hakusho is a standout giving us a captivating retelling that stays true to originial material. The series shines with a compelling opening, well choreographed fights and seamless visual effects.

The series brings you into a world of cool creatures and monsters. Demonic entities make things intense, thanks to Tsukikawa Sho's direction. Even the computerized violence feels real.

What makes Yu Yu Hakusho special is how it mixes humanity with supernatural stuff. Characters like Yusuke and Kuwabara have depth and feelings. Yusuke's serious vibe by Kitamura Takumi and Kuwabara's funny yet heartfelt performance by Uesugi Shuhei balance it out. Its relatable and funny making the show enjoyable.

Yu Yu Hakusho on netflix is a must watch for supernatural and horror action lovers. It has a unique blend of familiar elements and a compelling story all packed into a short yet satisfying five episode season. The show deserves a solid 10/10 for its engaging storytelling, vibrant characters and seamless mix of manga and live action.

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