A missed opportunity to make something remarkable

This series made a bold attempt to blend historical drama and wuxia in to a BL romance series and while it succeeded in some areas, it failed in others.

The story revolves around a rich and naïve Jin Xiao Bao who mistakes Huai En to be a girl and falls head over heels for him. What starts as a mistaken identity slowly develops in to love. Their relationship is tested time and again, while a sinister plot of revenge looms in the background.

The series excels in its visual presentation. The cinematography and costumes are praiseworthy. But at the same time the character development is superficial. Huai En,
portrayed as a mysterious figure, remains enigmatic without substantial depth. The plot, despite intriguing premises, suffers from rushed pacing and predictable outcomes. The potential for a captivating love story between Jin Xiao Bao and Huai En is squandered due to a lack of chemistry and compelling interactions.

Although the series has its shortcomings, it has its moments of brilliance. The character of Jin Xiao Bao was played well by Wang Yun Kai and Li Jun Liang did justice to the character of Su Yin.

In conclusion, the series had a lot of potential and showed glimpses of a deeper story waiting to be explored. Alas, it was marred by lazy writing and lack of ambition to make it a truly remarkable wuxia themed BL series

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Horror and Mystery interwoven in faith and religious practices

Hoon Payon is a movie that delves into the psychological depths of grief and the struggle of a man to find the whereabouts of his brother. Throughout the movie there is an eerie atmosphere and you tend to question about the motivations of each of the characters.

The movie starts with Tham (Phuwin) entering in to a small village in search for his brother. There he learns that his brother has fled after murdering the abbot and is nowhere to be found. While he stays in the village to get to the bottom of his brother’s disappearance, he encounters strange customs and the monks’ reverence to a bizarre deity. What follows are series of deaths and further disappearances and Tham’s own life at risk.

The film's greatest strength lies in its atmospheric storytelling. The haunting ambiance, coupled with the subdued performances, creates a palpable sense of dread. The director skillfully builds tension, allowing the horror to unfold gradually, rather than relying on cheap jump scares. The constant fear of someone lurking in the corner while eerie occurrences happening around you invokes an unnerving feeling.

The characters in the film are mysterious and complex. Along with our main characters Tham, we have Te, an autistic man who is loving and caring to all but is also a victim of bullying. We also meet Jes, who sculpts statues that are used by villagers in the last rites for the dead and monk Kla who dislikes Tham and constantly butts heads with him. Tham tries to navigate through the multiple characters to learn about his brother and escape from these supernatural occurrences.

In conclusion, Hoon Payon is a horror film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. While it may not be a perfect film, it succeeds in creating a chilling atmosphere and exploring the complexities of human emotion and blind faith

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When the bullied becomes a bully

Everyone like a revenge series or may be its just me and this is why I really enjoyed this comedy drama fantasy series. This series contains all the elements that I like; comedy, mystery, fantasy, bromance, friendship and an assortment of actors that can do justice to their characters. This series in retrospect is about the life of students constantly under pressure to excel, where losers are looked down upon and harassed.

The story as the name suggests, is about a gangster whose soul enters a down-on-his-luck, bullied and suicidal student. Making peace with the fact that he has practically dies, he sets out on a journey to improve t he life of the student before his inevitable return of his soul. What follows is a series of events, where our kind-hearted gangster learns more about the life of the student whose body he inhabits, tries to right the wrongs that he has faced all the while helping other people he judges going astray.

The beauty of the series lies in its simplicity and the mystery that hides behind the main characters. Why did Song Yi Heon commit suicide? What was the last conversation between him and Choi Se Kyung? How will Kim Deuk Pal, the gangster, help Yi Heon before his imminent demise? Will the bad guys learn a lesson and turn over a new leaf?

The series although with a simple story has complicated characters. Song Yi Heon has money but what he lacks is motherly care and a peaceful life in school. He is constantly bullied and beaten by the rapscallions at school, wants to befriend the popular guy, Choi Se Kyung but is termed a stalker, all in all a silent victim. Choi Se Kyung is pressured to perform by his successful father leading him to suffer from anxiety attacks. Kim Dong Soo, Kim Deuk Pal’s henchman wants to rebuild the gang after Duek Pal’s death only to be trapped and used by Lee Mi Kyung, our secondary antagonist.

In conclusion, this is a highly entertaining series that offers a unique blend of action, humor, and emotional depth. While the world-building could be tighter, the series excels with its strong performances and engaging premise. It's a perfect watch for those seeking a fun and thought-provoking escape.

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A Thrilling Journey Through Virtual Reality and High-Stakes Drama

This series has captured my mind due to the excellence in weaving a storyline that is so exhilarating and engaging that you can’t help but to binge watch and hope to see more of it. Using the medium of virtual games (a term used loosely here) and multiple short plotlines while building a central mystery creates an intriguing and enjoyable viewing experience.

The story centres around a virtual game that has manifested in the real world. Players are forced to engage in this sadistic, high-stakes game, where losing means death in the real world. Our protagonist, Lin Jui Shi, finds himself trapped in this world, and Ruan Lan Zhu comes to his rescue. Together, they work to unravel the mystery behind the game while trying to survive.

The game involves entering doors and encountering different scenarios each time, based on urban legends. The series excels in creating an atmosphere of dread and mystery, with each storyline being unique. It's fascinating to see the characters navigate the game, interact with NPCs, and decipher clues to escape safely. However, the series delivers a not-so-subtle message about the greed of capitalism. The game, designed by a Chinese developer in America, is manipulated by greedy capitalists to make more money. Our protagonists must solve the riddle, fix the game, and save the world from capitalism—a theme that is a bit on the nose.

What truly sets this series apart are the characters. Beyond the two main characters, the rest of the cast delivers outstanding performances. The story is rich with emotion, and viewers will often find themselves sympathizing with the characters, saddened by their predicaments, and moved by their losses. A compelling storyline is bolstered by exceptional acting.

However, the series is not without its faults. The game world is poorly explained, and viewers are expected to go with the flow. There is no clear understanding of how altering the game's code causes it to affect the real world. Questions arise, such as why players who die in the game die in real life, how the game can be corrected by simply winning all the doors, and why the game can't be re-released by the greedy capitalists even after it's been fixed, rendering the protagonists' efforts potentially futile.

In conclusion, despite many unanswered questions, "The Spirealm" is a great watch due to its amazing storyline and stellar acting. Additionally, the series contains very limited BL scenes or dialogues, primarily portraying the main characters as very good friends.

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Closure and Character Growth

I finally got the actual ending of this series, something I was looking for but didn’t think I will get. This follow-up delivers answers to lingering questions left by the series finale, providing a sense of closure and character development.

Bu Xia, like in the main series still acts playful and a brat and that is because of his upbringing. Suffering from torment from souls every day, he was protected by his grandfather, his sister and now Jiang Chi. We do however, see a growth in his character. He acknowledges that he has been kept safe by near and dear ones but he is willing to change and take responsibility for himself and Jiang Chi. He is worried about Jiang Chi all the while enjoying the concern and care he receives from him. His annoyance at Jiang Chi's self-sacrificing actions reveals his growing concern for his partner.

Jiang Chi has also developed as a character. He is all the more loving towards Bu Xia and wants to excel in life so he can take care of him. While playful in his reprimands, he adopts a more nurturing role, reminiscent of a parent caring for a child. Despite a lack of family support, Jiang Chi displays determination and ambition to secure their future together.

While the series excels in plot and character development, the acting might leave some viewers wanting more. There's room for improvement in emotional delivery, particularly in tackling more complex roles. That being said, they look good together and there certainly is a chemistry between them.

In conclusion, give this one a watch if you have seen the main series and enjoyed their antics. This special episode brings a close to the main story and shows their relationship growing stronger.

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A Blend of Action, Thriller, and Romance with room for improvement

A BL story with action, thriller and drama are hard to come by and in my opinion is always greatly appreciated. This series contains a bit of all that with a good serving of romance. But there is still something lacking in its execution that hinders complete immersion.

The story centres around 4 central characters. Bai Zong Yi is a medical student studying hard to be a doctor. One day on his way home he finds an injured Fan Ze Rui and helps him out. Instead of showing gratitude Fan Ze Rui threatens Bai Zong Yi and hides in his house until he heals completely. What begins as a chanced encounter turns in to string feelings between these 2 characters. The series also revolves around Chen Yi and Ai Di who are members of the same gang as Fan Ze Rui. As orphans they have grown up together and Ai Di is in love with Chen Yi but Chen Yi does not reciprocate those feelings. Life takes a tragic turn for Bai Zong Yi as his life intertwines with Fan Ze Rui

Zong Yi is driven by his values of hard work and finding a stable future. Ze Rui is part of a dangerous organization who hides his true identity from Zong Yi. For Zong Yi, he is a mysterious character and this might be a reason he is drawn to him. It’s Ze Rui’s affiliation with the group and Zong Yi’s family situation that forces him to make a difficult decision. Chen Yi has a complicated relationship with the gang boss. He is secretly in love with him but is always reprimanded by him. Ai Di harbours feelings for Chen Yi, but is unable to find space in Chen Yi’s heart no matter how hard he tries. He in turn befriends Zong Yi and protects him from any harm that the group may cause.

In conclusion, this series sets a stage for a complex relationship between Ze Rui and Zong Yi from different worlds. There is also Ai Di’s struggle to find love and be with Chen Yi.

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Hearts melt when you share great meals together

This series stands out not just for the subdued performances of its main cast and the slow-developing relationship between them, but primarily for its portrayal of flawed characters who, together, become stronger.

The story revolves around Hirokuni, a troubled office employee suffering from low self-esteem. One night, while lying on the road exhausted, he encounters his estranged childhood friend Kai, who has nowhere to stay and insists on living with Hirokuni. Kai takes care of Hirokuni's daily meals, all the while flirting with him and reminding him of the promise he made to marry him. As days turn into weeks and then months, Hirokuni witnesses his life transforming and finds himself growing accustomed to Kai’s presence.

Although the main plot may seem generic, it is the nature of the two main characters that makes this series worth watching. Through multiple flashbacks, we learn how they first met, became friends, and eventually drifted apart. Kai, having lost his parents at a young age, becomes indifferent with no expectations from anyone, while Hirokuni is stuck in a thankless job with long working hours and strict schedules. A once youthful and cheerful Hirokuni has turned into someone gloomy and isolated. When they reconnect at a low point in their lives, they uplift each other through daily conversations and shared meals.

Kota and Shunya deliver exceptional performances, bringing to life the flawed and down-on-their-luck characters of Kai and Hirokuni, respectively. The audience is taken on a journey through their daily lives, rooting for them every step of the way. Their struggles and small victories are relatable, and you empathize with their situations while hoping for their happiness. Additionally, the series features the characters bonding over good food, which feels like a staple of Japanese BL.

In conclusion, this excels in depicting characters who have lost hope in life but find strength and transformation through their bond. The series is a heartwarming testament to the power of companionship and mutual support. A few of the plot points might feel rushed owing to the fact that it’s a 6 episode mini-series.

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Multiple Missed Opportunities

This movie offers a charming yet an uneven viewing experience. Although there are a lot of heart warming and emotional moments, it leaves a lot to be desired at the end. Truly a lost potential

The basic plot is rather simple. Golf, a miscreant at school finds that his father has remarried is now has to share his house with his step-brother Bank. Initially Golf mistreats Bank but slowly starts developing feelings for him. As the story progresses, we find Golf and Bank interacting with each other and the feelings blossoming between them. And as is customary in almost all love stories, there is initial jealousy followed by confession.

This movie lacks in the execution of the plot and rather falls for the cliched BL tropes. There is the initial jealousy when another guy shows interest in Bank. Post the confession, there are a few moments of tenderness and affection but the movie sways again to the familiar tropes of misunderstanding and societal pressure. This is followed by the mandatory third act breakup between the main couple and silent suffering. But I was certainly blind-sided by the last 15 min as the movie decides to take a hard turn. The movie also suffers from uneven pacing and terrible editing, thereby creating confusion. Also, the characters while charming, could benefit from deeper exploration.

In conclusion, “My Bromance” is a decent movie that suffers from uneven packing, choppy editing and reliance on cliches. Those seeking a more profound and emotionally resonant experience might find it lacking.

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An interesting prelude to a complelling second part

"Irresistible Love" is a story that is divided in to two movie and the first part "Secret of the Valet" is just an introduction all the important characters in this storyline and getting the basic plot in order. There is drama and emotion, all meant as a prelude to the main content that is part of the second installment.

To summarize, the story is about Shu Nian, an orphan who enters the Xie family as a child and is tasked to take care of Xie Yan who regards him more as property than a person. Xie Yan returns after studying abroad and immediately tasks himself to be around Nian, oblivious to the fact that Nian harbous feelings for him. Things take a turn for the worst when Xie Yan being an open homophobe discovers Nian's feelings and immediately pushes him out of his life. This separation from Nian, makes his recognize his own feelings towards Nian

The plotline is rather simple and is mostly driven by the characters. Shu Nian, is our poor damsel in distress and is saved by a knight in shining armour who takes him away from the orphanage. Nian is forever obliged by this act and becomes a play thing for his saviour. Xie Yan from the beginning acts like a bratty child and uses Shu Nian with complete disregard for his feelings. This attitude of his continues even as an adult. Nian, however looks beyond these faults and is in love with Xie Yan who inturn rebukes him at first and on realising his true feelings acts obsessive. We as viewers are left pitying Nian and hoping Xie Yan finds a way to redeem himself.


The actors Wang Bo Wen and Meng Rui were exceptional in their portrayal of the characters. Bo Wen with his whispering dialogues demonstrated the vulnerability of Shu Nian as a character whereas Meng Rui played the angry, obsessive Xie Yan to the T.

In conclusion, "Irresistible Love: Secret of the Valet" serves as a promising prologue, providing a glimpse into the characters and their intricate dynamics. The exceptional performances and character introductions set the stage for an anticipated continuation in the subsequent part, making it a worthwhile watch for those invested in character-driven romantic dramas

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As good if not better than the original Japanese version

As Ossan’s Love Returns graces our screens five years after its Japanese predecessor, I ventured into the Hong Kong version for a fresh take on the beloved storyline. Binge-watching all 15 episodes, I was pleasantly surprised. Staying true to the original plot, the extended runtime allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the characters, enriching the overall viewing experience.

While the primary narrative mirrored its Japanese counterpart, the standout factor here was the characters. Edan Lui's portrayal of Tin Yat Hyung (Haruta Soichi in Japan) was a masterclass in capturing the character's eccentricity and innocence. His reactions, though over-the-top, avoided cringiness, rendering Tin simultaneously lovable and annoying—an art that Lui executed flawlessly. Anson Lo, in the role of Tin's love interest Ling Siu Muk (Maki Ryota in Japan), delivered an exceptional performance. Siu Muk's confident and caring persona, coupled with Anson's portrayal, conveyed desperation for acknowledgment from Tin and the struggle to sustain their relationship against all odds.

With 15 episodes, as opposed to Japan's 7, the Hong Kong adaptation utilized the extended runtime to delve deeper into character backgrounds and intricacies, portraying the gradual evolution of relationships. The series seamlessly blended comedic elements with ample doses of romance and emotional scenes, effectively tugging at the heartstrings.

In conclusion, Ossan's Love (Hong Kong) excels in character development, weaving emotions through stellar performances from the entire cast. Whether or not you've seen the Japanese version, this rendition is a heartfelt homage worth experiencing.

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A Culinary Journey of Friendship and Love

"There is beauty in subtlety," and this sentiment perfectly captures the charm of this delightful movie. It serves a delicious blend of sweetness that leaves you craving more. The storyline is a fluffy exploration of the lives of our two main leads, Aki and Haru, as they share a roof and savor the culinary delights prepared by Aki in their new home.

Unfolding from April to December, the movie captures the journey of best friends Aki and Haru navigating their shared life. While the film prominently features their daily life and gastronomic adventures, it's the nuanced layers beneath these themes that add depth and a continuous smile to your face.

At its core, the movie is about food and the life of Haru and Aki. But it’s what lies beneath the veneer of these themes that makes it interesting and puts a smile on your face. As the movie begins, you realise that our two main characters share a special bond. Haru is decisive and a cleanliness freak. He is aware about the direction he wants to take his life and is actively studying for the same. On the contrary, Aki is a happy-go-lucky fellow who is oblivious about what he wants to do in life and despises studies. What he lacks in understanding he makes it up with his culinary abilities. As we see these characters going through their life and interacting with multiple supporting characters, we get a glimpse of the relationship that they share. The movie does a great job at presenting the true nature of their relationship through the eyes of the supporting characters.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a heartwarming and uncomplicated narrative, this movie is a perfect choice. It seamlessly keeps a smile on your face, navigating moments of tension with swift resolutions. The movie's success lies in its simplicity, offering a comforting and enjoyable experience.

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A tale of strong performances hindered by plot constraints

As the second instalment in to the VBL series, “You are Mine” stands out as an entertaining office rom-com series with a good plot supported by strong performances. But like its predecessor, falls short of being great due to lack of episodes. A couple of more episodes fleshing out the main characters would have made this one of the best series of 2023.

The series is about 2 central characters; Xia Shang Zhou, General manager of a reputed organization feared by his employees for being stern and quick to temper. Yao Shun Yu, a young and innocent man joins the organization as an Assistance Secretary to Xia. Finding him utterly useless during their first interaction, Xia learns to soften himself through daily interactions with Yao as he finds himself being attracted to this new addition to his team.

The series excels due to the strong performances by the two lead actors Parker Mao and Hsiao Hung. Parker Mao played a stoic, work-oriented individual who is above social interactions and lacks human emotions. Hsiao Hung, on the other hand brings to life the role of a young, cheerful youth who wants to work hard to help his family. Their acting prowess shines at scenes requiring extreme emotions of loss and heartbreak.

The series however fails in using the plot that it introduced in the early episodes. Xia Shang Zhou, is shown to be suffering from headaches and insomnia due to a childhood trauma and his mother’s strict upbringing. It’s this treatment from his mother along with multiple other factors that make him emotionless. That is a strong character building but is not capitalized further. There is no arc for Xia to break free from his mother’s control and grow as a character. Hsiao Hung, goes through an inner turmoil caused by his own feelings and his misunderstanding of Xia’s feelings towards him. A couple of more episodes to go through Xia’s past and his ultimate growth would have made this truly exceptional

In conclusion, “You are mine” is a series wherein the acting and chemistry between our two main leads, a plot with underlying themes of trauma, parental control and power dynamics makes it a must watch albeit a stronger plot could have made it a masterpiece

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A Lackluster Attempt at Adapting Agatha Christie's Murder Mystery

As an avid fan of Agatha Christie's intricate mysteries, my expectations were high when I dove into this Japanese adaptation. While the source material provided a solid foundation for a compelling murder mystery, the execution fell short. The special failed to keep my attention and I gave up mid-way to try and piece together the clues myself and watched the rest for the final reveal of the real killer.

The plot revolves around a glamorous actress, Irodori Madoka, who has recently moved to a new residence with her husband. She hosts a party where a local woman, Kannokouji Rin, dies after drinking a poisoned cocktail. The investigation reveals that the intended victim was Madoka herself, and the poisoning was a result of a long-standing grudge.

Initially, the special introduces the characters effectively, establishing their relationships with the main protagonist and casting suspicion on multiple individuals, a hallmark of Agatha Christie's style. As the story progresses, layer by layer the true plot behind the murder and the intended victim is unraveled. Where this special fails is at the execution of this plot. The essence of a true murder mystery lies at ensuring that till the very end the identity of the true killer is hidden from the audiences and everyone equally seem suspicious. Herein, we find that all the suspects are swiftly eliminated and more or less you are able to guess it correctly. The mystery part of the story is overshadowed by the mundane drama of the characters. The investigation is simply boring and pulls you out of the story.

The charisma of the detective is also lacking. Unlike iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s very own Hercule Poirot, the detective Shoukokuji Ryuuya has no method or process of evaluating the evidences and clues. At no point do we see him pondering over the evidences intently or having his assistants go on a chase after a piece of information whose significance is revealed at the end.

In conclusion, Agatha Christie stories are known for its intricate plot and clever twists but this special misses the mark. It was an average attempt to bring to life one of the stories of detective Hercule Poirot

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Beneath the shock-value, there lies a narrative about life

Japan has always showcased some unique and interesting BL stories. It has given have very romantic and sugar-coated stories like Kieta Hatsukoi and Cherry Magic as well as some hard hitting and mature stories like Life: Senjou no Bokura and His (the movie). But sometimes, we are introduced to something wild and different. This is one of those storylines. Beyond the shocking and explicit scenes lies a profound message about the value of life, obscured by a barrage of perplexing moments that will leave you questioning your own understanding.

The movie hits the ground running where we find Katsuragi is bound and naked at an unknown place by a mysterious person, who sexually assaults him while taunting him about the feeling of being alive. Through Katsuragi’s recurring dreams, we find out how he landed up in this mess. As his daily sexual torture ensues, we find him struggling to stay alive.

The movie although graphic deals with trauma, loss and self-guilt. As the story progresses, we find that both our characters, Katsuragi and Ryoji are dealing with psychological issues. The tremendous personal loss that they have suffered makes them suffer from guilt and depression and ultimately to suicide. This is where the story takes a darker turn and uses the tool of bondage and sex albeit non-consensual to drive home the point that life is important and you need to live it daily. You are responsible for your own actions but certain things are beyond your control and you can’t be blamed for the outcomes.

This dark and twisted movie works due to the truly excellent performance by the main cast. The conviction through which they have played their roles speaks volumes about their talent and professionalism. There were multiple scenes that were awkward with lots of nudity and graphic presentation of sex and the actors have put up a convincing performance.

In conclusion, if we are able to overlook the extensive amount of nudity, bondage, sexual assault and the twisted means to looking at life, the movie holds some important lessons on dealing with trauma and guilt. For any one suffering from such psychological afflictions needs to visit a doctor but this is certainly not the kind of help you would be looking for.

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Unveiling the Beauty in Simplicity

In a realm saturated with BL series set in school environments, few manage to captivate with genuine moments and heartfelt narratives. This particular series falls into that distinguished category, offering a storyline that is straightforward yet engaging.

At its core, the series revolves around Yamato, an exceptionally talented and attractive student who harbors a secret affection for his childhood friend, Kakeru, known for his clumsiness and academic struggles. Yamato, cautious about jeopardizing their existing friendship, conceals his true feelings, while Kakeru grapples with confusion over Yamato's peculiar behavior.

The narrative wastes no time immersing viewers in the angst experienced by the two protagonists. Conversations between them are riddled with complexities, distractions, and misunderstandings, sustaining tension until the series' end. Each episode intertwines sweet moments between the leads, only to cruelly pull them apart. Viewers become emotionally invested in the journey of Yamato and Kakeru, hoping for their mutual understanding.

Kentaro and Haru deliver commendable performances, breathing life into the characters of Yamato and Kakeru. Yamato's reserved nature contrasts beautifully with Kakeru's outgoing yet hesitant demeanor. As the story unfolds, both characters undergo significant development. However, a standout performance comes from Leo, portraying Yui, the wise friend guiding Yamato and Kakeru towards self-discovery.

In conclusion, the series stands out for its simplicity and the actors' commendable portrayal of the characters, creating an emotionally resonant and captivating viewing experience.

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