Slow burn gone cold !

The drama centres on Tang Yang and Jiang Shi Yan, childhood friends whose relationship evolves as they navigate their careers along with their personal lives. The premise is engaging with the classic friends-to-lovers trope. However, throughout it struggled with the pacing dragging the romance over almost 23 of the 30 episodes.

The friendship between the main leads was the stand-out element. The genuine support, fun banters filled with warmth and subtle tension made their transition feel a bit natural. The second couple while completely underutilized brought some comic relief here and there.

But unfortunately, the pacing didn't sit right with me. The romantic progression felt half-hearted. Yes, I love and appreciate a slow burn but it felt like we were stuck in a loop. The leads avoided any conversations leading to something and the receptive dialogues led to the same conclusions, with them just playing around instead of addressing their feelings. The series does picks up its pace but I felt it was already too late. Their friendship era with flashbacks was great but their romance felt like it was buffering and for a long time.

The third couple felt completely unnecessary and like filler. The over-the-top antics started felt like a distraction. The second couple had great chemistry and an interesting start but it was very fragmented and underdeveloped. I'm still confused about how things progressed and how they ended up together. I have questions and no answers.

Also, serious subplots like harassment or toxic workplace dynamics were rushed and felt unresolved. They had 30 episodes and how some plotlines are still underdeveloped is a bit shocking and frustrating to me.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this. It could have been good with tight writing and better character development, especially with the supporting leads. I would recommend it if you are a fan of the leads otherwise, you aren't missing out if skip this.

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Forbidden Love and it's realistic lessons!

The drama tackles the taboo issue where a student falls for his teacher. It was very delicately handled and was surprisingly well executed (almost).
It doesn't shy away from showing that actions have consequences which actually helped me sail through this and added depth to the narrative.

The pacing was slow but it didn't bother me much. The chemistry between the leads was present (Where it counted). The acting was good especially by the ML as a 15-year-old troublemaker who effectively made my blood boil with his decisions. The ML's mother's character maintained the balance throughout. Though I found her lies to her son questionable but her actions towards the relationship were justified!

While few scenes did take me out like the beach scene. They balanced it in the next episode with moments of regret and facing up to the facts! It added that realistic tone as it should.

One thing I found surprising was ML Akira not looking like a teenager, which oddly enough worked in my favour. It increased the viewing experience without the constant visual distractions of a typical teenager!

The ending was a happy one but I expected a bit more. It was too lackluster!

I would only recommend this drama to those who can approach it with an open mind. I do understand the concerns some may have with the overall theme, but it never glorified the issue and respected boundaries.

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The curse was gone, but messily and realistically. Though the journey was far from perfect!

The storytelling is in a very classic Hwang Daseul style—delicate and nuanced.
The drama dives deep into the complexity of trauma, self-discovery, guilt and love through the journey of DoHoe and Ju Yeong.

DoHoe's journey is filled with pain and inner conflicts, much of it rooted in the toxic environment created by his abusive father who runs a Taekwondo gym. Several moments conveyed the inner struggles of characters with small but very significant details.
Because of his toxic upbringing,he is someone who struggles to confront his past and doesn't allow or think worthy of himself to heal. His inability to face his wounds is both heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time. As a result, his relationship with Ju Yeong is complicated by unexpressed emotions, the trauma that was never addressed and the weight of the past that neither of them can escape even after 12 years.

Ju Yeong was the emotional anchor that kept Dohoe from drowning by constantly reaching out and putting in more effort despite the hurt and confusion Dohoe threw at him. There were few brief moments of comfort amidst that frustrating yet realistic push-and-pull dynamics between them. JuYeong often compromised trying really hard to bridge the emotional gap that DoHoe can't seem to cross. The imbalance does seem unfair but at the same time, their love story is portrayed as both beautiful and painful showcasing how even when people are deeply flawed and overwhelming, sometimes the connection between them can be profound and will last.

The chemistry between the actors was undeniable and their emotional journey felt raw and authentic. It mirrors the complexity of moving past trauma and being in a relationship when both of them are carrying their own and shared emotional baggage.

While the narrative is filled with emotional highs and lows, the pacing felt rushed throughout. The rapid shifts in the character arc without addressing their actual issues in detail left me craving for more. I wanted to understand them better. It felt like there was so much more beneath the surface, a whole world which just didn’t have enough time to really explore.
While the supporting cast like Hyean Ho added a new layer to the story, I am still a bit unclear on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his and Dohoe's past. They introduced him for bigger purposes, but his character felt very undeveloped.

And my biggest gripe was the editing. It seemed choppy and confusing. There were many scenes that missed the mark and their meaning relevant to the story because of this.

Overall, while the drama isn't without flaws, it keeps you hooked with its nuanced portrayal of love and healing. It's a powerful attempt at exploration of how our pasts shape us and impact our future decisions.
Sometimes addressing those past ghosts is the first step towards healing. Definitely recommend.

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Lessons in Listening and Life!

The drama focuses on the experience of a college student Kohei, who is hard of hearing and his classmate Taichi. While the plot may not be ground-breaking, it somehow excels in character development. It also respectfully handled the topic of disability.

The heart of this drama for me lies in the individual development of Kohei and Taichi after meeting each other.
It sensitively portrays Kohei's struggle due to hearing impairment and how this impacts his interactions with others and his sense of self. I liked how he socialized and made friends, finally coming out of his shell after meeting Taichi. It was absolutely a delight to see him smile.
Taichi, whom I would call a sunflower in human form is one the most precious characters I have seen on-screen. His vibrant and compassionate nature breaks through Kohei's defences and yet somehow managed to find his own path and a sense of purpose in life. Although he needed some lessons in self-worth along the way, he managed to make it through. I enjoyed his interactions with his two friends and the way they both were supportive of his decisions without undermining him.

The dynamics between him and Kohei were portrayed with nuance and authenticity. Their relationship/friendship evolves organically. Taichi doesn't only sympathise and support Kohei but also challenges him in certain ways that encourage personal growth. On the other hand, the way Kohei slowly learns to trust and engage with Taichi reflected a touching journey of self-acceptance.
The way those two interacted - whether laughing, having deep conversations or sitting quietly beside each other for support felt so genuine and unforced.

What (sort of) disappointed me was the last episode or how they handled the 'love' in the love story. As a slice-of-life drama, this was 10/10 for me, but the confession from Taichi felt completely unrealistic and rushed considering how obtuse and oblivious he had been to Kohei's feelings and his own. Seemed pretty out of character.
Another character who felt completely unnecessary was Maya. Her heart might be in the right place, but she still needs to learn about respecting boundaries and some manners. I do acknowledge her struggles, her care and protectiveness towards Kohei but I feel almost all the time her character was saying things which were/are uncalled for! I was hoping she would be a positive catalyst in the story but to my surprise, I don't think she contributed anything substantial other than some jealousy here and there. 

Overall, it is a compelling watch if you consider it as more of a slice-of-life narrative rather than a love story where empathy and understanding are the driving force.

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Cliche served on the plate! A bit stale here and there but makes a good one time meal.

This was entertaining but not unique!
The story and characters both were pretty much predictable and lacked depth. Although it wasn’t a complete letdown, I was maybe expecting more.

The chemistry between Oab and Plawan was the highlight for me! However, their flirting over the "basil scent" brought me second-hand embarrassment. Also I was expecting more actual food on the table, instead it was them making out on it more. *Not complaining though. Those two can kiss*

Watching them together was fun but as individual characters, they felt pretty weak.
Plawan starts off as an enthusiastic but amateur cook who tries to impress and trick the chef into becoming his successor. His journey was engaging at the start but loses its charm along the way. He was all over the place and started doing everything almost 'so perfectly'. On the other hand, we have Chef Oab who is a culinary genius with a terrifying stern demeanour who becomes surprisingly soft in just a couple of episodes.

The story of all the side characters was interesting but undercooked. You are left to imagine a lot more than what is presented. JJ and Methas had such a promising and interesting storyline but it was rushed and so unconvincing. Kluea's character arc was disappointing. I don't get why they do that to good characters. He was positive and supportive from the very beginning. Honestly, if this sudden shift was for shock value, it didn't work. I was more annoyed rather than shocked. And Khaosuay, another female character in a BL series with selfish motives! I would like to retire this trope. I was hoping for more nuanced female characters.
The final episode was okay but bit rushed with too many unresolved issues to address.

Overall, it is a decent one-time watch if you’re in the mood for something cliche and entertaining!

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Culinary Alchemy: Cooking up self discovery with side of food and formulas!

Fermat no Ryori—where culinary arts meet math, two things I'm about as skilled at as a fish on a bicycle. Yet, surprisingly, this quirky blend managed to hook me in with its mix of food and formulas.

Onto the main course—the food and math combo. The series isn't just about cooking up dishes as I expected but it emphasized more about cooking up some self-discovery. Our main leads Gaku and Kai are as complex as a recipe with too many ingredients.
Their attempts to adapt to each other's ways, followed by failures and subsequent self realizations kept me hooked. The narrative emphasizes on the importance of personal growth within any kind of relationship.
Honestly I came here looking for all the food talk (which I did get) but stayed for the stories of those who made it.

While it was an unconventionally tasty and intriguing concept, sometimes it felt forced and a bit gimmicky. And speaking of issues, the pacing was a bit like Swiss cheese—full of gaps. I don't mind a slow-paced drama, but at times it felt a little draggy.

The bromance between Gaku and Kai was the dessert! It was entertaining to watch especially the hug where Gaku comforts Kai. As for the ending, it was happy and melodramatic, but that smile while cooking in the last scene made me swoon.

Overall, the drama serves up a strong premise, with execution as uneven as a lumpy gravy, but with decent acting!
Bon appétit!

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Finally a good action romance drama!!

I watched this drama as a part of recommendation challenge and I literally have to thank them for introducing me to this.

To outline the drama it was an absolutely wonderful and interesting watch.
There was a bit of everything for me that worked here - action, romance with both strong male and female lead and a bit of suspense and drama. The story kept me intrigued and invested till the very end. Each and every detail or clues in every episode somehow made sense at the end. I couldn't find any story loopholes. Tbh story isn't very unique but it is put together to almost perfection. You would really have to nitpick (which I am not gonna do :D)

The acting by all the cast members were perfect! The romance arc between the ML and FL is simply beautiful. The chemistry between them is FIRE! No nonsense! Just 2 adults trying their best to be together and handle things maturely. The OST was decent too. 

All is all , a great watch!

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Cliche but Enjoyable!

The story was a bit cliche and inspired from all the other supernatural dramas but it is definitely a enjoyable watch. The supernatural fantasy moments are good though. The editing and VFX does adds upto the pros for this drama

But I think the main selling point of this drama are the visual appeal of the leads !! OH MY GOD ! The chemistry between them is comfortable, natural and sizzling.
The cute interactions does make you smile.

SONG KANG was exceptional in this. I watched some behind the scenes of both Song Kang and Kim You Jung and loved it. I really liked how Kim You Jung was improvising while shooting and gently directly Song Kang as well.
The villian does give you creeps.

Though the story was nothing extraordinary but the acting and chemistry does make it a very enjoyable watch. I would definitely watch it again.

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If you're a fan of slow-burning romance, you'll love this!!

This drama beautifully captures the essence of love amidst social expectations and personal conflicts. I loved how the drama depicted the challenges faced by individuals pursuing their happiness and the effect of social class differences one faces while doing so.

The chemistry between the leads was intense and felt very authentic. Park Bo-gum's acting was phenomenal - his warmth, sincerity, and positivity made his character impossible not to root for, especially with that adorable smile. FL's acting was also realistic - you could see how she was battling her inner conflicts and vulnerability.
While the pacing may feel slow at times, especially in the early episodes, the gradual development of their love story is worth it. All the heartwarming moments intertwined with realistic reflections and struggles of life with its hopeful message about the power of love to overcome all, stand out for me.
The cinematography especially in the initial episodes set in Cuba, was breathtaking. I wished they had spent more time in there.

Overall, a must-watch if you love slow-burn romance.

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Healing Romance!!

Story - A slice of life with a unique premise and well-written story were one the strongest points of this c-drama. The pacing of the story was slow yet soothing and healing. It was full of life and will make your heart ache in a tragic way at the same time. The balance between the sombre and happy moments makes it stand out!
The dialogues and conversations between the leads healed something in me that they never broke!

Acting - Li Xian's portrayal of Chen Mai Dong and Zhou Yu Tong as Zhuang Jie was exemplary. Both ML and FL have an undeniable and ineffable - charm and chemistry.  The gradual affection with a lot of simmering tension between them was such a treat for the eyes.
Both the leads were not perfect, had flaws but were brave enough to acknowledge and deal with them. The acting had realism.
Chen Mai Dong truly defined "Healing yourself is connected with healing others!" And MY MAN DID THAT. Zhuang Jie was a bit indecisive and selfish at times but self-realisation dawns on her soon rather than dragging it, putting healthy dynamics on display. At times she was sheer embodiment of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!".
The side characters contributed to the story well. I liked the bond between the FL and her siblings and how CMD's grandmother played Cupid in the initial episodes. I liked how all the characters were pinning and conspiring for the leads to stay together (FL's mother was a hard cookie but joined the party).

The ending was on a happier note but a bit open-ended but also makes you realise how short life is to hold grudges!
The cinematography of the drama is noteworthy especially the location and the painting at the end was done beautifully! Though the editing and dubbing were a bit choppy in a few instances but wasn't distracting enough.

Overall, a heartwarming drama I would recommend.

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Love on the clock, but don’t expect overtime! Short and sweet! !!

My Damn Business is a mini-series that blends light-hearted humour with a sweet office romance. Despite its short runtime of around 10 minutes per episode, the series does a good job of developing its two leads, Han Yu Jin and Yoon Su An and crafting an engaging story that kept me hooked every week.

The chemistry between the leads is the highlight of the series for me. From the first episode, it was evident. Han Yu Jin is confident, assertive and just a bit dominant while Su An is reserved, shy and cautious. Their contrasting personalities created a fun and sort of affectionate push-and-pull dynamics.
The romance here is not in grand gestures but in small, meaningful moments, in those quiet glances, subtle touches and tender conversations over drinks.

However, I wish the episodes were a little longer. It would have allowed for more depth to the characters and the workplace setting and also made the pacing a lot smoother. Also, waiting for a single episode per week made the story feel a bit disjointed.

The cinematography and production were good that it felt much larger and more polished than you'd expect from a short format.
Also that ending shot was beautiful! <3

Overall, this mini-series was a guilty pleasure with a satisfying romantic comedy that delivered even though it has pacing issues considering its short run time. Hoping to see more dramas with longer runtime.
Recommended if you are looking for a light, sweet and feel-good romance. There is nothing groundbreaking or deep here but few cliche tropes that are done well.

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Fake It Till We Make it !!

First off, major props for the ace representation! The inclusiveness and legitimate valid portrayal deserves praise!! They nailed it, though would have liked it if they had more screen time.

Chemistry? Chemistry-ing so hard! It was on fire from ep 1 to 12 ! Great and Inn were such a good choice, really hope they team up again in another series.
The supporting characters were amazing ! Their love stories had their own flair and drama and I was all in for it!

The comedy was a bit cringey (in a good way, if that makes sense). Lots of second-hand embarrassment, but somehow it worked for me.

But the way they dragged out finally admitting and committing to the relationship was kind of annoying and unnecessarily stretched, especially when they were always so domestic ALL THE TIME . It just felt way too over-the-top sometimes! They could've cut to the chase sooner!

Overall , If you're into sizzling chemistry, drama, with a touch of cringe-worthy comedy, I would recommend this. It's not perfect, but it's definitely entertaining!

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Finding Solace in Art!!

Art Heals! Art liberates! That's the whole review!

The movie beautifully portrays this idea through the journey of Sousuke Aoyama. Despite suffering an incomparable loss, Aoyama finds solace and purpose in art, in this case painting.

While the story may feel familiar, the execution is done pretty well.
The movie doesn't shy away from depicting the raw and real nature of loss, whether big or small. It emphasizes that how we deal with them defines and shapes our identity.
One of the movie's most poignant messages is about individuality in artistic expression. It reminds us that being an artist doesn't mean mimicking others; our perceived flaws may be beautiful to the world.

Aoyama's journey is heart-wrenching at times yet uplifting. As an apprentice, his struggles with self-doubt are tangible and relatable. However, the moment he receives encouragement from people around him and begins painting, his smile becomes a beacon of hope. Aoyama's determination to paint every day, even when exhausted, serves as a powerful reminder that giving up isn't an option. The supporting cast also delivered remarkable performances overall adding authenticity and warmth to the overall experience.

The film beautifully exemplifies the importance of confronting emotions and persevering through misfortunes and hardship.

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Not your typical BL!

First thing first , the intro of this series was MASTERPIECE!
If you are expecting this to be your typical BL , it will disappoint you. I understand the rating on MDL. This is not a cup of tea for everyone.

The story does seem fragmentary at points leaving you with many unanswered plot holes but it has clever presentation.
The symbolism , the contrasting color frames , the angst , the hurt - You can feel it all in this 5 episode drama.
The acting by both the leads was convincing enough.

Not a fan of open endings but in this case it was justifiable. 
The conversation after their dinner was cruel yet realistically hopeful.
Yoon Dae needed to understand that " If you never heal from what hurt you, you'll bleed on people who didn't cut you."
For him to be Soo Hyuk's home and vice versa, he has to ground himself first. Finally someone teaching him self love without manipulating and scarring him.
Soo Hyuk was torn but held his ground this time. He wanted Yoon Dae to really be his home rather than being a liability.

The ending depicted they both finally broke from their same pattern and that counts as "sort of" happy ending (At least for me).
Though it's not a perfect 10 for me but still very close to it. I hope there is season 2 with longer run time.

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Not my cup of tea!!

So contrary of popular opinion, personally I did not like the drama. I watched it after falling into your smile because of the same gaming - romance genre but I was disappointed.

Story wise it lacked character development of the male lead. Like at one point it kinda became frustrating. The gaming sequence was also tad bit boring and tbh I just skipped most part.

The main problem for me here was chemistry between leads , was just too forgettable and felt forced.
The OST was nice though.

Honestly this wasn't my cup of tea but again I would understand if anyone else loved it. :))

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